57. ~ Pelican ~

Pelicans have a long, large, flattened bill. The top half of the bill curves over the tip of the bottom half of the bill. Beneath the lower mandible is a great pouch of naked skin. They have a short tongue, moderate length wings and a rounded tail. Pelicans are found around rivers, lakes and seas. Their main menu consists of fish. These are large birds with powerful wings, but they don't fly very far. They fish by hovering over the water, then suddenly plunging when the fish appears. They can be found in large flocks. Pelicans don't store their catch in their pouch, but they do carry food in it for their babies. Pelicans are very buoyant. The Turtle Island species are white and brown pelicans. They prefer to nest in bushes and reeds. Pelicans are lighter than they appear. A vertebra in their neck doesn't allow the pelican to raise their face upward. Pelicans can live about twenty-five years. They weigh between six and nine pounds. They can have a wingspan of up to eight feet. They have totipalmate feet (the webbing of all four toes even the back one) allowing them to incubate eggs with their feet.

Medicine:

Pelican medicine means to plan ahead and be ready to scoop up any chances and opportunities available. It's about being at the right place at the right time. Pelican medicine reminds us not to let life weigh us down. It teaches us to call on our friends in our time of need. The pelican teaches to learn what you have that you can offer to others. They teach us to share responsibilities.The pelican says to ask you, who in your circle of family of friends can use your help? Be willing and able to lend a hand. The pelican reminds us that it may be hard to get things off the ground, but know that you are going to soon see a smoother outcome after a few sacrifices have been made. Pelican medicine tells us to seek out comfort near the healing power of water. The pelican teaches us to not be ashamed!