1) Its incredible how low they fly! You'd think that if the tip of one of those enormous wings were to touch the surface of the water they'd wipe out spectacularly. They must have incredible judgement.

2) I agree, but I've never seen any wipe-out. Usually it is not this calm, there may be two or three feet high waves that they somehow manage to negotiate!!!

3) I've seen them fall out of the palm trees in Florida. They go to sleep and plop! I wouldn't believe it but I really have seen them do it. My friend's neighbor use to go out fishing every morning and the same pelican would jump on board and go with him. They are pretty smart guys.

4) They know where to go for food - quick learners.

5) Birds always impress me with their quick food locating. I can get some peanuts and put them on the deck and within minutes the jays discover the food. Considering I do it erratically, I'm amazed how fast it is discovered. I love the story of them falling out of trees. I guess they must be deep sleepers. :)

6) That is a funny story - but when you think about it it does make sense, I think. Don't they have webbed feet? If they do that would make grabbing onto a perch a little more difficult than having talons.