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I have done my best the past few weeks, hoping no one would hear about my little secret. However, the proverbial cat — in this case, pelican — has been let out of the bag.
For those of you who somehow missed it, a young pelican decided to winter along the Black River in Onalaska, Wis., rather than migrate south, like all good pelicans are supposed to do in late fall.
At first, this stubborn pelican appeared to be infatuated with a pelican statue that was in the backyard of a home along the Black River shore. Thanks to a relatively mild winter, "Petey," as he came to be known, found enough open water to survive on fresh fish and continued to stay by his concrete mate.
When extreme sub-zero temperatures resulted in a frozen river, Petey relied on handouts from people. That wasn't enough. He became weak and cold and was eventually rescued by the Coulee Region Humane Society.
The good news is that Petey is gaining weight. He's growing feathers and is expected to make a full recovery. However, before Petey is released back into the wild, he needs flight time, or conditioning so he can withstand sustained time in the air. That's where I was asked to step in.
I was contacted by the Federation of International Birders in early February. At first I couldn't believe it, but eventually I agreed to help out Petey. After all, I had written several stories about the bird, so why not participate in his recovery.
I couldn't tell anyone about the program, not the Tribune editor or publisher. That made sense, considering I'm supposed to cover the news, not make the news. I couldn't even tell my wife, who knows more about me than I do.
I began doing sit-ups and shedding a few pounds. I sneaked away from work every so often to attend classes at the airport. At times, I told my wife I had to work at night, again for more class work.
But, as we all know, secrets last only so long. So, here's the scoop.
I have been selected to help Petey with his flight recovery. The program is similar to the one developed by the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wis. That program involves a pilot in an ultralight plane leading a flock of young whooping cranes down south for the winter months.
No, I'm not guiding Petey to Florida, although I have secretly received flight training and have been
certified to fly an ultralight craft. My mission is to fly Petey around Lake Onalaska once flocks of other pelicans move into the area. The trick is to master flying in circles, a common pattern among pelican flocks.
I have taken several practice flights, including two solo night flights to earn my "flight wings."
Surprisingly, you would probably never guess where I have practiced. Thanks to Chuck Deery at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, I have made several circles, or laps above the race track in the FIB-outfitted, white ultralight plane that has three water skis rather than wheels. The front ski is a pale pink color, similar to a pelican's bill and pouch. The other two skis, on the left and right sides of the tiny cockpit, are orange, the color of a pelican's legs and feet. Of course, my helmet and flight suit are white.
The skis function well and provide a smooth landing, although it took three landing attempts in "Lake Speed," at the track before I got the hang of it.
If things go as planned, Petey and I will be making our maiden flight in another week or so, gearing up for his homecoming voyage with other pelicans when they arrive in another few weeks.
Until then, you may wish to refer to the acronym for the Federation of International Birders. It's FIB. And remember, don't believe everything you read, especially on April Fool's Day.
Bob Lamb can be reached at (608) 791-8228, or at blamb@lacrossetribune.com
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