I was paddling by the railway bridge at Bassendean on Monday morning when a lady asked if I had seen a pelican with a hook and line in its mouth. The pelican (let’s call it Albert) was nearby sleeping on a big fallen tree, seemingly quite content. Albert apparently had been hooked twice before.
I jumped out to be of assistance as Helena walked towards Albert with a couple of fish, a towel and a snare that she uses to catch pelicans by the leg.
I walked behind and before I got my camera out Helena had waved a fish in the air and Albert had jumped at the idea of getting a free feed and was over in a flash. Helena didn’t need the snare she just grabbed Albert’s beak and within seconds Albert was cuddling in the arms of Helena.
Draping a towel over Alberts head to keep it calm we walked back to the travel-box and placed Albert in. Now the hook and line were clearly seen. We carried Albert back to Helena’s car for a ride back to her place and the removal of the hook.
Fish-a-people consider wildlife when casting or losing your lines.
