Back to Nature on a Wing and a Prayer

The Marine Science Center at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet has a marvellous coastal wildlife rehabilitation programme. Their main patients are injured seabirds, manatees and turtles. We were lucky enough to be present at the release of 2 gulls and 4 brown pelicans that had been brought to the centre with injuries earlier this year, and had recovered enough to be returned to the wild.

The birds arrived at the beach in style riding on a golf cart, 2 huge pelicans squeezed into each large animal carrier, and a gull in each of the smaller carriers.

Everyone was instructed to stand well back to give the birds plenty of room, and the cages were opened. Watch out! Here they come!

A little confused as to what to do next. Why are all these humans staring at us?

But eventually all the birds waddled towards the water and stood there, probably assessing the situation, while the admiring crowd waited for some action.

These brown pelicans are surprisingly large, 42-54 inches in length, and weigh from 6-12 lbs and have a wingspan from 6 to 8.2 ft.

As soon as the gulls flapped their wings and took off, the pelicans got the message and followed. A huge cheer went up from the crowd.

Look closely and you can see them flying in the distance.

Great work by the dedicated Marine Science Center staff and volunteers.