Hi everybody, Pelican Pete here with some new news and notes!!!

It's been awhile since I blogged so I'm going to talk about a few things today.

One thing I wanted to tell you about is  a really cool place in Florida where a lot of my relatives live and it is called Pelican Island.   I love that there is actually an island named for me. The full name is Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. It is quite historic, actually. All the way back in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as the Nation's first National Wildlife Refuge to protect brown pelicans and other native birds nesting on the island. No one in the federal government had ever set aside land for the sake of wildlife before. Check out this website!  I think it's really exciting!

(picture is courtesy of USFWS)

Also, remember I told you about the Great Backyard Bird Count a few months ago.Well, the results are in and I'm happy to say that a huge!!! number of my feathered friends were spotted and recorded. Here are the statistics: 

You can check out all the details at this website.

You can get the details of your own state and city there. It lists all the different kinds of birds and how many were spotted. I don't even recognize the names of some of the birds. See which ones you know.

Now for a really special news story that is good for all kids, especially here in Florida. Governor Charlie Crist signed the "Get Outdoors Florida!"  resolution -

...that also includes the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights which says that every child has the right to...

    Swim in a healthy lake
    Build a sandcastle or outdoor fort
    Camp out under the stars
    Climb a tree
    Catch a fish
    Hike a path
    Watch a bird
    Listen to a cricket, bird or frog
    Smell a wildflower
    Explore nature
    Volunteer to help wildlife
    Celebrate Florida’s heritage

These are the kinds of things that Fran and Hugh encourage all the time. This would be a good opportunity to start a journal or log where you keep track of the fun things you do outside every day. If you want, send me some emails telling me what you like best about being outdoors and we will post them on our website.Send your art and stories about your outdoor adventures too – share those experiences with the rest of us.

So until the next time, Get Outdoors! and explore the nature in your own backyard and neighborhood.

Your Pal,

Comments

[Peggy]

Hey Pete,

I live in Ohio and in the winter it is just too cold to get outside, but now it is getting warmer and the daffodils and some of the trees are in bloom and we can be outside a lot more. It seems like the birds and squirrels and bunnies are as happy as I am about the advent of spring! We don't have any pelicans here, so it is nice to have you as a friend!