.Ramad

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Someone had once said . "Ah, the pelican! his beak holds more than his belly can" Just look at these three. Do you think their beaks can hold more than their bellies? Not a chance! After a hearty breakfast of fresh sardines served down their throats by servile attendants, the three of them (from left) Winnie, Minnie and Ginnie are up to their favourite pastime. They sit together in the shallows close to the bank watching the visitors pass by and passing their comments on each one of them. Now, after having seen “Dr. Dolittle” and learning a few tricks from our friend Tick, I too can understand and speak (but not read and write) a bit of animal language – in this case Pelicanese. As I approached them with my camera I heard Winnie say : “ Hey, who’s this?” “Not one of the younger ones for sure” said the impertinent Minnie. “Look he has a ring on, where is his wife?” said Ginnie who apparently is more for that form of gossip. “Probably around the corner watching those dumb flamingos” said Winnie. I hadn’t said a word till now as I was busy taking the photos. When I finished I turned to them and said in halting Pelicanese : “Thank you ladies, You are lovely” . There was a moment of silence as the shock set in. Then Winnie turned her beak almost 90 degrees up and made a loud clapping sound. Minnie, the impertinent one dipped her beak full in the water and trembled. Ginnie just stared at me with an open beak. I waved to them and carried on.