Friday, January 25, 2013

Pelican Party

As you know, we love to go to Florida.  That is where I recharge my internal batteries, and let life take a slower pace for a while.  Every so often we like to visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  This is a wonderful place where all sorts of injured birds are rehabilitated and released.    For some release is not possible, and they live out their days here in relative peace.  I say relative, because anywhere you have a bunch of birds, it is seldom quiet.


The Sanctuary is located in Indian Shores, about 15 minutes from where we stay in Madeira Beach.  It is between Gulf Blvd. and the Gulf of Mexico.  This sign welcomes beach goers and beckons them to visit the birds and the gift shop.  Visiting is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.


 This handsome fellow (No, I'm not sure of his/her gender) looks like he is standing guard.


A large number of the birds you will find here are pelicans of all ages and varieties.  There are several large areas dedicated to them, each with their own swimming pool.  Below you will see what a grand time they have splashing around.


For more information, visit their website - Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

7 comments:

  1. How sad that they are no longer able to live in the wild, but wonderful that there's such a place to care for them.

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  2. I agree with Jayne that it is sad that something brought them to the sanctuary but thank goodness there are places to keep birds/animals safe.

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  3. I'm actually leaving for Orlando on Sunday for a few days.

    I'm not a huge fan of birds, but I don't like to think of any animal suffering.

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  4. Hi Linda .. I'd love to see the Pelicans - and at least they're being looked after and not suffering .. they have White Pelicans in Green Park in London .. one day I must go and look at them .. but the warmer climes of Florida beckon!!

    Cheers Hilary

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  5. HOW GORGEOUS! Those pelicans! To see them so close! This place sounds familiar, like I've seen something about them on TV. Beautiful pictures!

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  6. Jayne- It's not as good as being free, but they aren't alone, hungry or suffering.

    Cheryl- It is good that there are people to take care of them for however long they are there.

    Nicky- I agree, no living creature should have to suffer. Enjoy your trip. Wish I were going to FL.

    Hilary- They may be injured or disabled, but they are still entertaining when the splash around. They are magnificent birds.

    Katherine- I love to watch the pelicans, both there and flying over the water fishing. They also hang out at docks when the boats come in. Free lunch!

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  7. I like the pelican sitting on the post in the middle picture. He looks he's a "ham" posing for you...as if he would say, "Hey, look at me. I'm hot stuff. Take my picture instead of that other bird...he doesn't know how to pose like I do."

    You should use this picture as a story photo picture. The expressions on the bird's faces are wonderful.

    On a more serious note, I didn't know about this sanctuary and I really glad it's there.

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