A Year on Clear Lake-May 10, 2013

Bad Hair Day-May 10, 2013

A fierce storm moved through this morning dumping several inches of rain in a short period. It was a drenching rain with visibility limited to a few feet. I was out shortly after the rain cleared and visited the marina, curious to see how it might have impacted the birds. I was not surprised to find that there were no birds by the watering hole. The water level and waves were still high. I was surprised, though, to find that the nearby pilings were packed with pelicans, all busily preening their feathers and spreading their wings in an effort to dry off.  Likewise, by the boat launch area, a flock of terns were also busily preening their feathers.

It may sound silly, but I have never noticed this before. I think at some level I have been curious about what birds do in a rain storm (obviously get wet), but I can’t say I’ve given much thought as to what they do after. So, you learn something new every day. Today I discovered there is such a thing as a bad hair day for birds.

Meanwhile, this cormorant appears not to be phased–it’s like water off a duck’s back.