A Comeback

Not the sort of bird I normally see. A trip out of my usual mountain environment allowed me to see a Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Declared endangered in 1970 under the Endangered Species Conservation Act. Threatened with extinction due to DDT and other pollutants. And like the Bald Eagle which is surprising me left and right with its surging population, the Brown Pelican is also making an impressive recovery.

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Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

2 thoughts on “A Comeback”

  1. I have a soft spot for pelicans. In 2003, when my mother was in the dying process in Florida, I found a small public alleyway that led to the ocean. The sky was clear, no birds, no clouds. As I sat dealing with feelings, all of a sudden I had three pelicans circling over me. They stayed for all the time I was there, probably 20 minutes, and as I left I said a thank you for their healing company and they flew off. A blessing of sorts.

    1. Oh Nancy, that is beautiful. I’ve had events such as this and feel that the world of nature knows what is going on in my world, and they on occasion will reach out. An incredible feeling.

      Thank you for reading my posts.
      Sending many hugs.
      Bren

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