BROWN PELICAN
Trail 804 - Yahats, Oregon
DID YOU KNOW?
Colored Contacts Anyone?
Pelican's eyes change colors multiple times throughout their life. This is due to development and depending on the season as well. Brown Pelicans have a unique color changing variation - they are usually brown and then go light blue during breeding season.
Ready, Set, Dive!
Brown Pelicans use diving as the method of getting food from the ocean. These birds will shift and compact their bodies in such a way to prevent injury while diving at such heights. They will dive from 65+ feet!
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So, while out on the surf you now have to watch for tickling toes and diving birds...like what?!
Shedding Like a Dog!
They shed their feathers six times throughout their lives. You can tell they have hit three years of age when a dark reddish-brown color begins to come in around their neck area! Their feathers come in at different times, making it so there are years between a fresh set of feathers.
Island Birds
Pelicans will find a safe haven on a local Island away from predators and humans. They have also adapted to areas that have regular hurricanes since there is a reduced number of predators there.
SPIRITUAL MEANING
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Fearless Diving
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Adaptability and Resourcefulness
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Patience and Persistence - great things take time!
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Ancient Wisdom - Pelicans are 30-40 million years old and little has changed with their features and practices
UNIQUE
Pelicans have the largest beak of any bird. A Gular Pouch is attached under the beak and can hold up to three gallons of water! This is used as a storage system when the bird dives into the water to scoop up their next meal.