A stranger among us

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Noreen Hyslop photos

Residents of Northwest Oaks have been treated to an unusual sight on the lake within their subdivision north of Dexter over the past several days. Tommy Marshall with the state's Dept. of Conservation surmises that the pelican pictured hanging out with Northwest Oaks "locals" may be an aging bird which might have fell out of flight with a flock of migrating pelicans headed south for the winter months. Though the sighting of pelicans in the area is not rare, it is unusually late to be seeing them in the area, Marshall said. The migration process for pelicans coming from Canada and headed to the Gulf Coast is usually complete by mid or late October, he said. "This could be a bird that did not put on enough fat reserves to make the flight," Marshall says, "and he or she could very well pick up with a flight of geese soon or another late flight of pelicans." In the meantime, the wayward traveler seems to have found contentment with some new friends upon the waters of Northwest Oaks Lake.

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The Pelican is a really NEAT bird. We get to see "squadrons" of them flying often here in Pensacola. They fly in very precise formations and when they see fish swimming close to the surface they will fly in close, fold their wings in tight, and dive straight down into the water.

I hope there are enough fish for this guy to get to. Maybe someone could save some bluegill and take them to the lake...because if he see's that you have FOOD...he will make his way to you. I sure hope he is okay through the winter if he doesn't get further South. "Dexter" is a good name for him.

-- Posted by Bearcat72 on Tue, Nov 24, 2009, at 1:33 PM

We live by the lake so thats what we saw the other day.Thought it looked like a pelican but couldn't believe it.He's still around and is so pretty and white.Hope he stays with us.There are plenty more friends out on the pond for him to become friends with

-- Posted by MOGAL on Tue, Nov 24, 2009, at 1:45 PM

The year that Hurricane Hugo swept through the south, there was a pelican on a pond near Bell City, Mo. The residents figured that he was blown in by the remnants of Hugo. Not sure how long he stayed, and no one ever got close enough for a picture.

-- Posted by goat lady on Wed, Nov 25, 2009, at 7:33 AM

By the way, I love that title, Noreen! You are a cut above the ordinary journalist, my dear!!

-- Posted by goat lady on Wed, Nov 25, 2009, at 7:41 AM