I spotted this lone pelican on my way past the Centenary Lakes last week.
It was peacefully paddling around one of the lakes despite the dredging happening nearby.
It was finding a feast, I hope, to fill its belly.
I heard on the radio yesterday that over the last couple of months a lot of Pelicans have moved in to Mareeba dump. It started off as one or two and has swelled to numbers unknown. Apparently, as there is no water in sight, this is Pelicans in desperation trying to find a good feed. As the inland water systems have dried up further west or north there is no longer any food source there, so these birds are finding it where they can. Sad really. The station owners and farmers aren't the only ones in dire need of rain.
Great photos of the Pelican and what a beautiful place in which to photograph!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick. It was a great fluke find.
ReplyDeleteThat's a gorgeous bird! I hope s/he finds enough water and food.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely bird Betty. I used so see them all the time out west, where ever there was water. Surprisingly even though I am on the coast now I usually only spy them from a distance and not all that often.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos with nice reflections.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird to see... lovely images.
ReplyDeleteAt first I am thinking great photo and had a big smile on my face ...then I read your comments about the lack of water and now I feel sad!!
ReplyDeletewhat a great capture. If that was in the UK you would have a major twitch at the pool.
ReplyDeleteHi Gunilla, Thanks. I like the reflections too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrew. It was a gorgeous bird and so calm.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jacana, I believe that the majority of QLD is in a state of drought having not had any decent rain or rain at all in parts since the wet season 2012. This year's wet was a bit of a flop and next years is a long wait away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave
ReplyDeleteMr (Miss?) Pelican looks so serene!
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, for some reason I think of it as a Mr but yes very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI should mention that you have and still are taking lovely photo's Anne, I love reading your stories that accompany your photo's, I glad to say that there is enough food and water down this way for our birds
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