Power of the pouch

Talk about lining up the perfect shot!    George’s pelican pic is in the best light at the optimum angle:  “This picture was taken in Cuidad del Carmen, Mexico.   I spent many hours trying to get good shots of the pelicans, my favorite birds.   They swallow an entire fish at once”.

DID YOU KNOW?    The Pelican’s bill is longer than any other bird – it’s nearly half a meter (a foot and a half) long.    And as you can see, it’s main function-with pouch-is to catch fish.    The fascinating pelican pouch can hold the equivalent of two flushes of a toilet.    Even more amazing?    The pelican tightens the pouch after catching a fish, expelling water and forcing the prey down its throat.    George’s photo is so clear that we can see the ‘hook’ on the end of its beak.    Called a mandibular nail, it helps the pelican nab prey.    The nail is also used to preen and to intimidate predators, competitors, and humans who try to get too close.

THE POWER OF THE ZOOM SHOWS US THE POWER OF THE POUCH.    WE INVITE YOU TO SHOW OFF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTO.    UPLOAD IT TODAY, SEE IT ON BT AND THIS BLOG, TOMORROW!