The pelican is the state bird of Louisiana. It is also a regular feature in the sights you will see when you visit any California beach. Recently, I was surprised to find a flock of them along the shores of inland lake/reservoir located almost 40 miles inland in Southern California. Being a longtime fan of Ogden Nash, this reminded me of his famous poem/limerick in which the pelican is the chief protagonist.
A wonderful bird is the pelican.
His bill can hold more than his belican.
He can hold in his beak
Enough food for a week,
But I’m damned if I see how the helican.
-Ogden Nash
Medico Musings 