Whilst not endemic to Australia, the pelican is a familiar Australian seaside icon, especially for those with a soft spot for the award winning Colin Thiele story
Storm Boy - a heartwarming tale of the friendship formed between a young South Australian boy and an orphaned pelican, known as Mr Percival.
San Remo's resident pelicans.
Whilst San Remo's resident pelican population cannot lay claim to quite such a high profile, its popularity amongst locals and tourists certainly ensures its survival. Championing their cause, the
San Remo Fisherman's Co-operative sponsors a daily midday feeding on the San Remo foreshore, right outside its famous
fish and chippery.
Lunch is a laid back affair for both people and pelicans. Each day, a volunteer from the Co-op brings approximately 15kg of fresh fish off-cuts down on to the sand and hand feeds the pelicans, much to the delight of onlookers. Anyone is welcome to watch, and whilst spectating is free, the co-op gently encourages donations to assist them in caring for the birds.
Feeding time.
After watching the feeding, there are two small jetties along which to take a stroll - one of which provides a particularly good vantage point for viewing stingray. However after watching the pelicans get their fill it is hard to resist doing the same yourself, so pop in to the spacious but simply Co-op cafe and grab a bundle of freshly cooked to order fish and chips to enjoy in or outdoors.
Look carefully and you may spot a stingray in the shallow waters.
