THE BROWN PELICAN. 
193 
season, seen rising in broad circles, flock after flock, until they attain a height 
of perhaps a mile, when they gracefully glide on constantly expanded wings, 
and course round each other, for an hour or more at a time, after which, in 
curious zigzags, and with remarkable velocity, they descend towards their 
beloved element, and settle on the water, on large sand-bars or on mangroves. 
It is interesting beyond description to observe flocks of Brown Pelicans thus 
going through their aerial evolutions. 
Now, reader, look at these birds standing on their strong legs, on that 
burning sand-bar. How dexterously do they wield that great bill of theirs, 
as they trim their plumage ! Now along each broad quill it passes, drawing 
it out and displaying its elasticity ; and now with necks stretched to their 
full length, and heads elevated, they direct its point in search of the insects 
that are concealed along their necks and breasts. Now they drop their 
wings for awhile, or stretch them alternately to their full extent; some slowly 
lie down on the sand, others remain standing, quietly draw their head over 
their broad shoulders, raise one of their feet, and placing their bill on their 
back, compose themselves to rest. There let them repose in peace. Had 
they alighted on the waters, you might have seen them, like a fleet at anchor, 
riding on the ever-rolling billows as unconcernedly as if on shore. Had 
they perched on yon mangroves, they would have laid themselves flat on 
the branches, or spread their wings to the sun or the breeze, as Vultures 
are wont to do. 
But see, the tide is advancing; the billows chase each other towards the 
shores ; the mullets joyful and keen leap along the surface, as they fill the 
bays with their multitudes. The slumbers of the Pelicans are over ; the 
drowsy birds shake their heads, stretch open their mandibles and pouch by 
way of yawning, expand their ample wings, and simultaneously soar away. 
Look at them as they fly over the bay ; listen to the sound of the splash 
they make as they drive their open bills, like a pock-net, into the sea, to 
scoop up their prey ; mark how they follow that shoal of porpoises, and 
snatch up the frightened fishes that strive to escape from them. Down they 
go, again and again. What voracious creatures they are ! 
The Brown Pelicans are as well aware of the time of each return of the 
tide, as the most watchful pilots. Though but a short time before they have 
been sound asleep, yet without bell or other warning, they suddenly open 
their eyelids, and all leave their roosts, the instant when the waters, which 
have themselves reposed for awhile, resume their motion. The Pelicans 
possess a knowledge beyond this, and in a degree much surpassing that of 
man with reference to the same subject : they can judge with certainty of the 
changes of weather. Should you see them fishing all together, in retired 
bays, be assured, that a storm will burst forth that day ; but if they pursue 
Vol. VII.— 25 
