Flying V

I went on a walk this morning along a local trail.  It was wonderful to be outside and smell the salty air of the Pacific Ocean and feel the cool breeze against my skin.  One of things that still astounds me about living on the coast, is the amount of wild birds.  Especially now, as so many birds are commuting on to their next destination.  For whatever reason, our home to seems to be a proverbial highway of wild animals. So far I've seen migrating Pacific Grey Whales, dolphins, butterflies, and lots and lots of birds.  Most recently, I've found myself being drawn to the California Brown Pelicans.  Its fun to look down the coast and try to count the number of consecutive "flying-v's" of pelicans.  They look so regal and powerful as they glide over the beaches or as they swoop down and skimp the ocean's surface for a snack.  I never really paid much attention to pelicans before, but here, they're everywhere and you can't help but be drawn to their elegant flight patterns. I found a cute poem about pelicans by Dixon Lanier Merritt, that I'd like to share with you:

"A wonderful bird is the pelican
 His bill can hold more than his belican.
 He can take in his beak
 Food enough for a week;
 But I'm damned if I see how the helican."

Perhaps in my next reincarnation into this world, I'll be a pelican?  Or maybe a golden eagle?  I've always thought mountain lions were cool too.  Will have to think about that one for a while, before I make my final decision.  Its good to have those kind of decisions made ahead of time.