Pelicans are not birds I expected to appear graceful. To me, these seabirds seemed ungainly.
My opinion changed as I watched several soaring over-head. With large wings outstretched, they caught an air current and let it carry them. Far above the water, they circled, dipped slightly and rose high again. All of this was done without much need to flap their wings. They understood the advantage of going with the flow – airflow in this case.
A flock of small white birds flew much lower and their wings worked hard to keep them aloft. They were using their own strength and not riding the current of air. They landed and took off again frequently.
More times than I care to admit, I am like the small birds. In order to stay aloft, I flap harder to keep going. My own strength is never enough for what I want to accomplish and the effort exhausts me.
As I watched, a brown pelican did its spectacular plunge-dive. These birds can be flying as high as ten meters (33 feet) and when they spot their prey, fold back their large wings and plunge to the sea to catch it. The speed with which they do this is amazing.
I can’t help but think this speed is possible because energy has been conserved when flying. They make efficient use of the resources available to them.
I want to be like the pelican and allow the wind beneath my wings to help me soar. When I rely on Jesus, he enables me to reach heights I would never achieve on my own. His strength sustains and guides me.
The choice is mine. Will I flap hard and stay close to the ground or soar like a pelican?
Brian saw it first. There on the top of one of the tall towers supporting power lines, was a huge eagle nest.
nest. Upon scanning the area, we discovered an adult eagle on a nearby tower, keeping watch.
When the parent thinks the eaglet is ready, it will push the young one out.