Welcoming 2024!
My Christmas weekend was full of wonderful family fun and food, lots and lots of both. I am an early riser and was alone at my kitchen table enjoying my coffee Christmas morning.  To my delight, I witnessed the arrival of a large flock of white pelicans. I have had the pleasure of seeing these guys pretty regularly over the years and I was surprised when I confirmed that I had also caught them on Christmas morning exactly three years ago.  I decided these wonderful birds are on some sort of regular schedule.  So, being the seasonal pelican watcher that I’ve become, I looked into the migration pattern of these magnificent birds.
This is courtesy of https://savetheeaglesinternational.org/white-pelican-migration: Every year, white pelicans embark on a remarkable journey that takes them thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to warmer climates in Central America and the Gulf of Mexico. This annual migration is a testament to the remarkable resilience and adaptability of these magnificent birds, which are able to survive in a wide range of habitats and conditions.
As summer turns to fall, white pelicans begin to gather in large flocks and prepare for their journey south. They may travel in groups of hundreds or even thousands, soaring high in the sky and following the contours of the land and the coastlines below. Along the way, they stop to rest and refuel at various staging areas, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
The migration of white pelicans is a fascinating phenomenon that offers a glimpse into the complex and interconnected web of life on our planet. Whether we are watching these birds soar overhead or simply marveling at their incredible journey, we can all learn something from their determination, adaptability, and endurance.
I feel blessed to get to see them when they visit our lake.
The year 2024 is starting off with all kinds of new things in our neighborhood. Â You probably already know that we have a new website that recently went live. If you have not already visited it and looked around, you will want to do that soon. If you have any trouble logging in, the Administration office is more than happy to assist you.Â
Have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve.
Karla Seidule may be reached with Walden news at karlaseidule@icloud.com
