939 April 1-2, 2023 White Pelican Surprise

We did our morning exercise and then prepared to move the RV to Campground C.  We quickly got settled and then packed for our roof top tent camping trip.  We traveled on gravels and dirt roads.

Up a steep hill!

The spot we wanted on the lake’s edge was vacant.  We got set up and walked around.

There was so much to see.  The western grebes were active and fun to watch. They pitter patter on the top of the water to gain momentum and then go down for a deep dive to spear fish with their beaks.

There were great white herons and blue herons and lots of other ducks as well.

A pair of white pelicans.

There was a crappie fishing tournament this weekend and there was an occasional boat on our end of the lake.

We heard braying and saw a group of three burros on the bank across the water.

All at once, there was a huge squadron of migrating white pelicans soaring above us.  We estimate that there were about 150 birds.  We watched them circle and then land in the lake.

White pelicans fly south to Baja and other areas in Mexico and Southern California.  They can easily fly 100 miles a day. They seek thermals and fly in vees and long lines to conserve energy. Their pouches and webbed feet are extremely susceptible to frostbite and so they need to be in warmer climes.  They breed, raise their young, and then fly north in the Spring.

The birds huddled together in a large group. 

Just before sunset, a second smaller squadron came in and then a third.  It was so exciting to watch.  The birds were close enough that we could hear the air moving across their wings.  They have a 9-foot wingspan and they made quite the dramatic entrance!

The flock slowly formed a long parade and they made their way to a more sheltered area.  They left sentries at the opening to the cove where they rested.

The evening brought bats and bullfrogs making all kinds of noise. 

We watched the sunset.

Tim in his happy place.

At around midnight, the burros and the coyotes sang together.

This morning, the sun was warm and bright and the coolness of the night quickly abated.  We took our time packing because the pelicans were still huddled in the lake and we wanted to see them go.

An early fisherman.

At about 9am, the bird took flight.  On their way to the plains for the summer. 

We saw this powered paraglider.  We just never know what we will see!

We hope to always be awed and delighted by the experiences we are so lucky to have!