Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode -An Interview with Pip the pelican

Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - An Interview with Pip the Pelican (It's a long one....trying to answer all the questions)

Shelly said people have asked her questions about me so while we spent time together today she interviewed me.

Q: How long have you known Shelley?

A: I met Shelley on March 24th when I was sitting on the beach not feeling good. A fisherman told Shelley about me being sick. She saw I had a filleted sheepshead fish stuck in my gullet, so 4 hoomans helped hold me and take the pokey fish out.

Q: Do you know what kind of bird you are?

A: Yes! I’m a very handsome brown pelican, actually I’m young so they call me immature. Shelley says I’m an old soul though.

Q: Why didn’t you go to the hospital?

A: I hate the doctor but the real reason is the hospital was closed because of a bird flu.

Q: How long did it take to feel better?

A: I’m not very good with time but I couldn’t fly for a long time. Shelley said it was almost 10 days. I slept on the beach with Spot the egret and Shelley. The three of us sat together for hours, rain or shine. Lucky for me the bird hospital told Shelley to feed me. I like fish, shrimp…not so much, they taste nasty. Those little feet are creepy.

Q: What’s your favorite fish?

A: I loved sardines. You see they are fatty fish that helped me get better but I like mullet the best. Yum!

Q: How is it Shelley can identify you?

A: We have spent almost every day together since March 24 and countless hours. She has over 2000 photos of me and my various shenanigans. She knows my every bump and boo boo. She says I’m the only pelican who gets in her personal space. I like to be really close and mouth breathe when I see her. I hang my head a little when I fly so she knows my flight style too.

Q: Has Shelley ever touched you?

A: Yes, She picked me up the day with the pokey fish and laid me on a floating dock to get the fish out. She also picked me up on May 10th when I was sick again. That day she put me in a dog crate and drove me to St Augustine. She only did this because the local hospital was still closed and the the facility in St Augustine couldn’t come get me. I was very dehydrated and sick.

Q: Does Shelley still touch you?

A: No, Even though I am very close she doesn't touch me. Sometimes I bump into her or flap my wings in her face, which makes her laugh.

Q: Did you like the car?

A: Yes and no. I liked watching everything go by so fast, it was less tiring than flying but I vomited because I was scared.

Q: How was the rehab place?

A: It was nice, they gave me lots of sardines. I ate and ate and ate until they set me free about a week later.

Q: Where did you go when you were set free?

A: In one day I flew home to my pole in New Smyrna Beach to be with my dolphin and bird friends. New Smyrna Beach is my home.

Q: How do you communicate?

A: Lots of ways! I have very expressive eyes, Shelley says they speak volumes. I also mouth breathe when I’m excited so it sounds like I’m exhaling over and over again.

Q: How does Shelley communicate with you?

A: She talks to me a lot with her voice. She also points and uses hand signals. When she puts one finger up that means, “Wait, I’ll be right back.” When she puts that finger in the air in a circle that means twirl. When she put her arms out to her side like an airplane that means time to fly. When I’m across the lagoon and see her do the airplane arms, I fly to her. When she waves good bye that means she has to leave and she will see me later.

Q: Do you approach other people?

A: No way. I paddle or fly away when other people walk out on the dock. Oh and those 4 legged furry things called dogs, they scare me a lot!

Q: Do you like the dolphins, manatees and other birds?

A: I like the dolphin called Momma Jade she is sweet and gentle with me. When the dolphins get frisky I get out of there, they are scary when they splash. Manatees freak me out, I always fly away when they show up. I like Spot the egret and Mikey the great egret most of the time…. unless they try to get Shelley’s attention, then I get pouty. I like most pelicans but boy can they be aggressive. I have learned to stand up for myself when I have to.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do?

A: I like playing the stick game. I like pulling on the mangroves until a stick comes loose then I carry it around tossing it up. Oh and I love bath time.

Q: What is your pet peeve?

A: I have a few. I don't like bugs, I had a lot when I sick, now I keep them off with bathing. I don't like noseeums at all! They make me crazy.

Q: Any last words for your fans?

A: Thank you for all the love and support! I know your prayers helped me get better. I'm doing great!