World Bird Wednesday

This is my first entry in the World Bird Wednesday.  I decided to focus on the American White Pelican because they migrate through our area every year in the spring.  This year they have already been here ... spring is very early.  I am not concerned for the water birds because, if they stay in the water, a later winter blast won't hurt them, but the land birds are at risk.  I will hope that the spring we are experiencing in March is the real thing. 

The American White Pelican are fascinating birds.  Their wingspan is from 8 to  10 feet second only to the California Condor.  The horn you will see on their upper bill appears only during mating season and then sheds off.  They eat primarily fish, crayfish and amphibians.  They are notorious for stealing food from other birds or small predator's.