One look at us and you know we're experienced birds. As with you humans, white heads are a sign of distinguished seniority. And we've got a handle on old age. Our ancestors were fishing while hadrosaurs grazed the Mexican shore. Things were different then. There was no Gulf of California, just a lot of puffy volcanos that obscured the fishing view.
Some might have been impressed when this volcanic range was torn apart and Baja California headed for Alaska, but then we pelicans are known for our aplomb. Moreover, we had fish to consider. And a new Gulf meant more water to survey. Sand washed down from steep shores to fill the shallows, but so what? The fish were still around. Geologic uplift raised this sand, now hardened into stone, and waves carved it into cliffs. When the wind is right, they make fine updrafts for easy flying. What's for lunch?
Visitors to Punta Colorada admire the color and form of this craggy coast, but we just call it home.
