Most birders that have spent any amount of time chasing down our fine feathered friends have learned that most cities waste treatment facilities are incredible magnets for many species of birds. One of the small cities south of Tucson Arizona, Amado, has a very small pond, right along highway 19, also known as the Nogales Highway. While there is actually limited access to this facility, there is a small parking area along a frontage road that allows a birder to see all but the closest bank. Despite the size of this pond, I guess at about one acre, it seems to gather a very impressive group of birds. The latest of the “Amado” surprises is the appearance of an American White Pelican. It arrived about 10 days ago, looking rather ill, and not all together clean. My first couple of eBird reports, I actually commented that I felt the bird would not live much longer. Even if it did rest up, I was not sure what it would be eating. Well, what do I know? The bird has been there almost two weeks, has recovered nicely, and is well preened and looking fully recovered. I really don’t want to think about what has been on its diet, but it seems to be working.

Here is the American White Pelican when it first arrived.

Here is how much better it is looking now.

 

 

Written by Tom Brown
Tom Brown grew up in the high desert area of central Oregon. His love for birds and photography started at a young age. Thru the course of time, travel, and a lot of different occupations, he ended up living in Seattle, and met a girl with a sailboat. When he is not scouring whatever area they are in, looking for the next great bird photo, he can be found trying to earn enough money for the next adventure, and of course, a new lens or camera body! Having been nick-named “The Bird Nerd” by his last remaining friends and family, Tom continues search for that next lifer, and the accompanying photo that goes with it. Find his continuing adventures, photographs, and guiding opportunities at Focus on Feathers.