white pelicans

Hanging Out Together

/ Rebecca / 15 Comments

Recently, I watched a group of American white pelicans swimming alongside double-crested cormorants at the lake. This wasn’t the first time I had seen them together, which led me to wonder why these two birds, which seem to be an unlikely combination, would be hanging out. 

Research revealed that both are fish-eaters that hunt together, assisting each other in finding food; however, their fishing techniques differ. Pelicans herd fish into shallow water where they are easy to catch, while cormorants are underwater fishers. Their diving causes the fish to rise to the surface, enabling the pelicans to swoop in and scoop them up with their large bills. While pelicans can at times exhibit greedy behavior, this collaborative approach to fishing is mutually beneficial for both species involved.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ~Mother Teresa

American White Pelicans

/ Rebecca / 23 Comments

Recently, we had the pleasure of watching the stunning beauty and graceful flight of white pelicans during their annual fall migration at Reelfoot Lake.

“To the sane and free it will hardly seem necessary to cross the continent in search of wild beauty, however easy the way, for they find it in abundance wherever they chance to be.” ~John Muir

Watching the White Pelicans

/ Rebecca / 17 Comments

I spotted a group of white pelicans swimming not far from the shore, and found a flat rock near the water’s edge to sit and watch the graceful swimmers. They seemed to glide effortlessly in the water.

I was impressed by one expert fisher as it shimmied along the surface of the lake, using its beak and the gular pouch attached to its jaw to catch and scoop up food like a net.  Then it tilted its head down to drain the water from the pouch, and back to swallow the catch.

Another pelican, abruptly disturbed from its afternoon nap where it huddled on a crowded log, let out a lazy yawn.

I enjoyed watching the pelicans play a game of “tag” as one circled around a log lined with other pelicans.  The pelican that was tagged was obliged to find a new spot to sit, and didn’t appear too happy about it.  Instead of making noise, the pelicans communicated through wing flapping and bill snapping.

Watching these lovely birds was relaxing, fascinating, and entertaining, all at the same time.

“There is a way that nature speaks … Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.”  ~Linda Hogan

White Pelicans

/ Rebecca / 15 Comments

A few shots of the White Pelicans that have migrated to Reelfoot Lake.

“A lot of guys like to go to the beach and bring a crowd, but not me. I like to be alone and out there with a couple of pelicans.” ~Robert Englund

Jackpot

/ Rebecca / 15 Comments

Sometimes when we drive along Mississippi River farmland we see very little. On our last drive, however, we hit the jackpot. A field dotted with beautiful Great Egrets and a single string of White Pelicans fishing in standing water graced the landscape.

“A philosophy of life: I’m an adventurer, looking for treasure.” ~Paulo Coelho

White Pelicans

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

A flock of white pelicans has arrived at Reelfoot Lake on their annual fall migration. We try not to miss a chance to see these beautiful, impressive birds.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~Helen Keller

White Pelicans and Great Egrets

/ Rebecca / 17 Comments

We came upon this peaceful looking scene — White Pelicans and Great Egrets foraging in the shallow water of farm land near the Mississippi River.

“God made the country, so lovely and fair!, It’s wide open spaces for all to share; Where joy and contentment each one may find If he, earnestly, seeks for peace of mind.” ~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham

A Common Goal

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

While hiking a wooded trail that runs beside the lake, we found a view through the tree tops of a group of White Pelicans flying high overhead. 

Continuing on, we suddenly heard a loud noise, and were surprised to see a flock of White Pelicans mixed with Double-crested Cormorants plummeting onto the lake near where we were hiking. Two birds that you wouldn’t expect to see together, but united in a common purpose.

After the commotion of the landing, the fishing party proceeded quietly along the shore for a short distance and then headed out across the lake toward the opposite shore.

“Teamwork is a powerful advantage when you share a common goal.”  ~Phil Geldart

White pelicans

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

White pelicans, migrating from their breeding grounds in the north, sometimes take a southern route along the Mississippi River.  A number of these birds arrived at Reelfoot Lake in October in search of food and a place to rest.

On our first encounter with them, we spotted a large number flying silently overhead.

Later, we saw several sitting on logs out in the lake, preening their beautiful white feathers.

Below, the second pelican from the right eventually grew tired of sitting and preening, and opted instead to go for a swim.

Whether in the air or on the lake, it is always a welcome surprise to come across these magnificent birds.

“Nature’s prime favourites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.”  ~James Montgomery

The White Pelicans are back

/ Rebecca / 3 Comments

The White Pelicans are once again back to winter at Reelfoot Lake.  From the boardwalk, we were able to watch as they glided gracefully through the water.  Every so often, they would dip their heads underneath the water and scoop a fish up into their large yellow bills.

“Sometimes you need to unplug and enjoy nature’s company.”  ~Unknown