In the spring and summer around lake Tahoe, there are flocks of American
White Pelicans that soar in groups of 4 to 6 or more.
They are particularly visible around Truckee, CA. I have joined them in
their soaring endeavors and managed to stay with them
for a while. I only wish that I could turn as well as they were able to.
We are talking here of soaring flocks of pelicans at and above 7000 ft.
Don't know why they do it but perhaps just for fun. They may be Jonathan
Livingston Seagull's distant relatives!
Looking for pelicans may be a new thermal indicator.

Allan




"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Sun, 25 Apr 2004 08:00:04 -0700, Eric Greenwell
wrote:


I know! A trained flock of small soaring birds that you release when
desperate. They spread out over the area, circling when they find lift.
Once you start climbing, they return to the glider and crawl back inside,
ready for the next time you need their assistance.