Feeling Old - (enlarge)

... and tired, and deep in thoughts... Great "portrait", Gail! Warm regards, Tamara

While visiting the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida a few years

ago, we were viewing quite a few birds in an enclosure. Of course

they were behind a fence. The Sanctuary brings in mainly creatures

that have been hurt and nurses them back to health or provides a

safe home for them when it is unwise to return them to the wild.

Perhaps this Pelican was not old, but he sure looked old. He was

almost hiding just to the side of a wooden crate. I took a few images

of him and he didn't budge a bit. His expression was so 'lifeless' but

perhaps that is a common thing with his species. I kind of felt sorry

for him, but then again, realized that if it weren't for this place he

could be dead. (any visits or comments are welcomed as always,

many thanks, Gail :)

Yes. I wondered just what he could be thinking.....he had such a blank stare. Thanks Tamara for dropping by, hope you are going to be able to have a holiday this summer! (you just had a great vacation in the Winter though-didn't you-I recall your great pics!!)

The eyes look really tired but thoughtful. I wonder what he is thinking by looking at that chain.

"I knew I shouldn't have had all that wine last night! Never again!!"

By the way, great portrait!

Hi Gail,

  Wonderful image with beautiful colors, backlight & details.  Take care, Patsy

The chain shows  that the pelican is in a ZOO, captured and imprisoned! Nice allegory, Gail!

 

Best regards

 

PDE

He seems quite bored with it all after all these years. Been there, done that. Feels a little like my present state of mind.

It's a lovely tender image. But I think most people will be able to empathise with that look. Either the morning after the night before or the thought of another day at the office, we all have them days. Hopefully he had better ones to come! 

As for me I'm going to attend to my "concubines" in the garden : - )  (Still chuckle about that) 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf

Hi, Gail! It looks like summer is not happening here yet. And yes, I am going to visit mom in Belarus. She is getting weaker, though still by herself. She will be 88 soon. I am full of guilt that I cannot afford to be with her. Leaving on 12th of July. I hope weather will be better here so you could enjoy your summer. Warmest regards, Tamara

Actually, the chain was not attached or impeding him in any way. It just happened to be where 'he' decided to rest.  The Wildlife Sanctuary is actually keeping him safe from harm because he is an injured bird. If he was better, they would have let him go free. I did leave the chain in though. More so as an expression as to 'his lot now in life' because of injury. It is almost as if he is staring at it. He didn't notice me at all. many thanks Pierre for sharing your thoughts with me.

kind regards always, Gail

My thoughts exactly, but he could have been looking beyond it. He was very quiet.

Thank you for those thoughts shared.......yes...tend to your garden..... :) that was sooooo funny!

I hope to get back and reply to all the many comments shared, sincere thanks for taking the time to drop by!

I know you feel guilty for not being able to be with your dear Mother. Yes she is getting on in years, but you cannot help these circumstances. You are a good daughter and have been able to visit her about once a year lately. You have a family here to needs you as well. But at the same time I do feel your 'angst' at her being so far away. I hope your brother is doing better and that he can see her more often. Many thanks for letting me know you will be able to go soon to Belarus!

Fantastic!

Warmest regards,

LuDa

Gail, Great detail, the feathers are amazing!  Tom

A great story telling image Gail! It's as though the pelican is longing to be released from captivity! Bravo Gail --- bravo!

LUISA - thanks so much my friend. He was so sad it seemed. Glad you liked this one

TOM - so nice to see you back Tom. I've enjoyed your recent pics of the Carolinas a lot!

ROBERT - Yes he does seem to want to flee. But I had this feeling of a deep sadness or perhaps it was tiredness. The chain has nothing to do with the bird. It was attached to a wooden box he was kind of hiding behind.  Because they rescue injured birds, I think perhaps he could not be set free yet or perhaps his injuries were such that he would not be able to leave at all. But at least he is safe there from Predators.