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Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Packed up and ready to go

I spent the day today getting everything ready to head out in the morning.  It took a good portion of the day to do all the outside stuff and most of the inside stuff.  I didn’t think I’d make a post tonight since it was pretty mundane stuff and I didn’t plan to take any pictures of things like dumping the tanks or getting everything stored away.  Most everything was done by about 6:00 this evening, so Emma and I spent some time sitting outside before sunset.  That’s when I noticed a movement in the sage brush surrounding the fire crew bunk house.  Something was flopping around up there that wasn’t normal.  As several of the other volunteers stopped by to wish us a safe journey, that ‘something’ began walking towards the RV pads.
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It turned out to be a white pelican, and it was making it’s way right toward the RV pads!  Once Emma noticed it, I put her inside so she wouldn’t spook our visitor.  What in the world is a pelican doing walking down the refuge road?  It came right down the road to the pads, and stopped briefly to inspect each one.
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It didn’t seem to mind that a couple of us were following it along with our cameras clicking.  I don’t know if it was injured or not, as it seemed to amble along just fine.  What an unusual occurrence this was!  I tapped on Sue’s door so she could come out to see what was in her front yard, and she said she was sorry she didn’t have any fish! 
_MG_5907As it made it’s way through all the sites, I just hoped it would get to some water and be safe for the evening.  It’s wings didn’t appear to be broken, but this is not normal behavior for a pelican.  As it strolled in back of the last RV, the coyotes began their nightly chorus.  Vaya con Dios, mi amigo!  :(   (Go with God, my friend)

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy

14 comments:

  1. Let's hope Mr. Pelican made it safely to some water before Mr. Coyote had him for dinner. I swear, Judy, you get the most amazing photos of wildlife! You should call National Geographic and volunteer.

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  2. I think you should get paid by National Geographic! You do get some really terrific pictures. I think there are many sights all around us but most of us don't see or pay attention to them. A truly good photographer notices everything, it seems.

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  3. Not only would National Geo love the photos but also the tales that go with them! Safe travels to you and Emma!

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  4. It always tugs at one's heart strings to see an animal in distress or not acting normally. Sometimes we are able to help & other times Mother Nature looks after her own. We can only hope the Pelican made it to safer waters.

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  5. Good Luck Mr Pelican, Judy Thank God for your uncanny ability to attract wildlife, what ever you do don't change your deodorant.As always you came through with some outstanding shots, others could only pray for those photo ops. You are truly Blessed.Be safe in your Travels,Via con Dias, mi amigo..to you.

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  6. Since it was known that you were leaving, it seems obvious that the pelican was the member of the Malheur Critter Community Action Committee (MCCAC)that was elected to official say goodbye to you and thank you for volunteering. It looked like he was suppose to be heading up a parade in front of the RV's as a goodbye gesture, but the others must have backed out.
    Good luck on your next adventure and thanks for a good blog.

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  7. I sure hope he made it to safety before the coyotes realized he was out of his territory. I agree with Al, it is hard to see our wild friends needing help and not being able to do anything.
    What a great photo moment though!!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)

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  8. How odd for a pelican do to that, great pictures!

    Cheers!

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  9. Sir Pelican was on some kind of mission...Did you notice if he dropped a pink or blue bundle at any of the RV's???? Keep you tympanic membranes (I THINK that's what you call bird ears) on alert, Sir Pelican..Those "wily" coyotes are very sneaky...and God Speed.

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  10. Love the close-up picture of the Pelican. I agree with all others. You should be making money on your photos, then we can say "we knew her when...."

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  11. I've never thought of coyotes hunting pelicans. I guess they will take advantage if they can. Nature can be cruel. But perhaps from the coyotes point of view this is a welcome opportunity.

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  12. I agree with everybody else - you take the most fantastic pictures. And what a wonderful opportunity to appreciate one of God's creatures. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  13. What a great surprise! I love the song "Toes in the Water," that was the first time I learned about "Via Con Dios." Seems to fit here...

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