05/23/2026
John Anderson tells the story of a pelican rescue in Florida. Perhaps John will join their rescue group. Read more Rainy Day Writer stories on Your Radio Place and in Guernsey News.
Bird Rescue with Ginger Smith by John Anderson
Sunday morning, Redington Beach, Florida
Ginger, a woman with short hair, wore green-rimmed glasses, a hooded sweatshirt, and jeans. Her new-looking Hoka shoes contrasted sharply with her shabby black apron with yellow smudges. Ginger stood on the edge of the seawall staring intently toward the bay and holding her camera, screen showing.
William, an early morning fisherman, saw her and was curious. Cautiously he approached Ginger. William feared that getting too close might startle and frighten her, so he stood about 10 feet away and waited.
When Ginger looked sideways, she saw him and nodded politely.
William asked, “Are you filming birds?”
Gesturing at a pelican floating about 50 yards out from the seawall, Ginger said, “I’m waiting for him to fly. A local fishing captain brought him to me. There were two hooks with line still attached binding his wings to one of his legs. The captain told me he was certain the bird would die soon, but I sheltered him for ten days.
“After I cleared the fishing line and hooks, the poor guy was exhausted. He didn’t move for the rest of the day. I coaxed him to accepting hand-feeding. After the second day, he was walking about and feeding himself. Each day, he has become stronger. Today it’s time for him to return to his home.
“As a volunteer with state and federal bird rescue societies, I rescued and released over 700 birds last year. The local fishermen know me and bring me fish to feed the birds while I nurse them back to health.
“Sometimes people ask me how much I get paid. Not everyone understands the satisfaction in volunteering. Once a man asked me, ‘How can saving birds without getting paid be rewarding?’
“I invited him to join me in spending a day helping pelicans. Now, he and I work together. He drives the birds that need medical attention to Bush Gardens. The vets there repair the damage caused by fishhooks and lines.”
While Ginger and William talked, they were thrilled to see the pelican rise from the water and take flight.
“This can be an emotionally demanding job,” Ginger continued as the pelican soared. “Even with care provided by the most dedicated vets, some birds are so damaged that euthanasia is the only humane recourse. Sending an injured bird, with no hope of recovery, to a zoo is a long slow death. I won’t do that. And so, I must euthanize it; I have never gotten used to that.”
William and Ginger chatted as they walked to her car. “I moved here from Philadelphia nineteen years ago and, about two years later, became involved in pelican rescue,” Ginger told him. “I love it and find it very fulfilling, but the day-to-day is physically and emotionally demanding.
“Yoga saves me,” she said. “I start each day with 45 minutes of poses. Like everyone else in these so-called golden years, I’ve had some injuries and hardships along the way.”
William nodded. “I start my day with yoga, too. If I miss a day, I’m out of sorts all day long.”
Ginger agreed. “Yes, then you understand.”
Even in Florida, mornings can be on the chilly side. The wind picked up. William wished he had thought to put on a hoodie before he left his home.
Ginger had released the pelican. William walked with her to her Subaru where she stowed the crate in back. He thanked her for her good work then headed home to be out of the wind, have a cup of hot coffee, and consider volunteering for pelican rescue.
