Stop me if you’ve heard this one

A Spotted Billed Pelican is entertaining his friends

Grisham: A pelican walks into a bar… the bartender says, “Why the long face?” (Everyone laughs)

Wells: You crack me up everytime! We might be smaller than the other pelican species but, I swear we have the best sense of humour.

Hoggart: Well it’s good we have that at least. You can’t tell us apart from the others in this region.

Grisham: What nonsense! We’re the only ones who have these spots on our upper mandibles.

Shaw: Hoggsy old boy, you’re a real stick in the mud. One of these days you’re actually going to get stuck in the mud when you dive down to get some fish.

Hoggart: That will never happen because we pelicans never go that deep do we? Surface level fishing.

Wells: Yes, these long bills and big pouches are so good for catching lots of fish. Excellent design!

Grisham: On that note, did you know that it’s impossible for a toucan to swallow if its beak is full... but a pelican! (Everyone laughs)

Shaw: Another good one Grish! By the way, I saw that your little ones have changed from their white feathers to speckled grey, growing up fast aren’t they?

Grisham: Yes they are! It’s the good environment, plentiful food and safety that’s around us. I suppose that’s why our kind is thriving here but dwindling elsewhere around the world.

Hoggart: Nothing can last forever. There isn't any memory, no matter how intense, that doesn't fade out at last.

Wells: You’re a regular ray of sunshine aren’t you Hoggsy? Grish, lighten the mood please!

Grisham: Ok, ok. What’s the difference between a seagull and a pelican? You can’t sea a pelican! (Everyone laughs)

Story of the Photo

Pelicans generally aren’t fussed about human habitation, so they can be found even in Colombo, wherever shallow water sources are teeming with fish. This group of chums having a cackle over a joke were photographed by Dilum, inside Wilpattu National Park, whilst out on a morning safari from Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu.