From California to Florida, with the nationwide ban of the disastrous pesticide, DDT - with its eggshell-thinning properties that decimated bird populations - the brown pelican has made an amazing comeback from the brink of extinction. It is now once again common to see a parade of these awkward looking, happy fellows skimming low along the tops of waves or sunning and preening on docks, pilings, and sandy beaches all along our southern coastlines.  And sometimes you encounter them just happily floating along, resting, as this fellow is here.

Brown pelicans employ quite a different feeding technique than their more stately counterpart, the American White pelican.  Brown pelicans, having spotted their fish prey, do a spectacular plunge-dive, head-first into the water from heights of 60’!  Seagulls often shadow the brown pelican, hoping for an opportunity to snatch an unguarded morsel!

This little sculpture makes a perfect decoration for a shelf, bathtub edge, or paperweight on your desk!