Well that can be true. Taking off from a lamp post is easy
and this may compensate for the effort it takes of getting up there. Pelicans
are great soarers once they get high and use the warm air for lift, also great
at low flight over water but there is a lot of energy involved in getting those
first several metres from the ground or water up to a pole. But maybe that is
not actually difficult. I still think the real advantage is that they can sit
there undisturbed, just other words for exposed the pelican to dangers. Next
question is: are there places where there are many pelicans and high roosts available
and a lack of disturbance from people and dogs and do they regularly do this in
that situation. Yes Albatross have that problem (has anyone seen an albatross
perched on a pole?). Pelicans are not great at running. They can become
airborne from a stationary start from the ground with a jump into the air and
deep flap. Not sure what real dangers it would be subject to ……. sharks in the
water, in which case, starting flying is a big benefit over not flying at all.
Philip
From: Birding-Aus
[ On Behalf Of Geoff Ryan
Sent: Monday, 21 January, 2019 6:59 AM
To:
Subject: [Birding-Aus] Pelicans perching on poles
One of the major problems of being a pelican is taking off
from land or water - this requires much energy and exposes the pelican to
dangers. Taking off from a lamp post is as simple as a step into free air.
Pelicans, like many vultures and albatross, are like gliders and need
assistance to launch.
