Took the kids up to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park some weeks ago. It is pretty much a coastal unit of the larger Redwoods State Park. The gold bluffs, Roosevelt Elk and of course the Redwoods are the big draw to this area. After a short time my son comes strolling down the beach with a Pelican. I've seen the kids bring me back all kinds of trinkets before, but a live Pelican! As I get my daughter's attention and tell her what I'm seeing, I get the, "ya, sure Dad". Only to see her jaw drop as she turns to look. ;~) As we approached the two walking our way I could see what was really going on. The poor thing had broken a wing. Can only assume he was walking the edge of the surf in hope of finding something edible, unable to fish for itself. The kids wanted me to bring it to the Ranger after asking if we could take it home first. I unfortunately had to explain that they would not let us take it anywhere and that the Rangers would more than likely not come to it's aid either. That as wondrous and beautiful as nature can be. There is another side, and as ugly as it seems, this is part of natures way. We did run into a Ranger back where the hike began. I knew what the response would be, but for the kids I explained what we found. The Ranger shrugged it of and went back to watching the Elk as expected. Needless to say the kids did not like the outcome of this lesson learned, such is life. To the kind souls that leave their mark whether a comment, rating, or save the image as a fav, you are very much appreciated, thank you!!! Thank you all that viewed my last image below.

"Happy Birthday danapommet"