Ann Gilmour Poet Free verse

From Russia With Love

The Pelican 
such a comical clown
A stranger bird 
I’ve yet to have found
The longest beak
The  largest mouth
Though not too many
Here to be found
St James’ Park London
Where a trio can be seen
A gift from Russia in 1664
And over the years
there have been forty more

The resident trio named
   Isla  
         Tiffany 
                  and Gargi
Have now been joined by
   Sun
         Moon  
                 and Star

at 2.30 daily fed fresh roach and whiting
a sight not to miss ~ a sight so exciting…

But care must be taken
No feeding allowed
I once saw a lady ignoring this rule
As he opened his beak 
Thought her arm was his treat
All her shouting and screaming
No damage was done
So he made his retreat
To find somewhere to eat
And when fully sated
In the sunshine would sleep 

Written 22nd February 2021


Great White Pelicans are huge birds that you really don’t want to get too close to, and their numbers have recently doubled in St James’s Park, London
Fortunately, from just three to six — and the new arrivals all came from Prague Zoo. The pelicans – named Sun, Moon and Star – arrived in the park towards the end of May 2019, but have been hidden from public view whilst they acclimatised to their new surroundings. They’ve now been released to join the three resident pelicans – Isla, Tiffany and Gargi.
Pelicans have been a feature of St James’s Park since 1664 when the Russian Ambassador presented them to King Charles II. Since then over 40 pelicans have made St James’s Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks, their home.  The flock are fed their fresh fish, roach and whiting, at 2.30pm everyday by the wildlife officer.  They are also quite partial to pigeons.


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Line Gauthier February 24, 2021 at 5:02 PM Well penned, Ann. A delightful poem ~ Ann Gilmour February 25, 2021 at 1:11 PM Thank you Line, they are such amazing birds I love to watch them if ever I am in St James' Park and it is always a treat if you come across them ~ the three of them slowly gliding across the lake in a line. They look so comical to watch especially when being fed. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Judy Ball February 23, 2021 at 2:40 PM WoW! This is not only a well written piece it's very informative. Didn't know pelicans liked to eat pigeons. But most sea birds will eat most anything. Can't believe someone tried to get close enough to feed one. Ouch. When visiting the zoo it's wise not to try to pet or feed the WILD animals there. They're in cages for a reason. Well done. God Bless, JB Ann Gilmour February 25, 2021 at 1:14 PM Ohhhh thank you Judy for your lovely comments and glad you enjoyed the info too ~ I must admit I did not know about the pigeons either, although there are plenty of them in London, but I think the Pelicans are well fed with fish, as they live on the the lake in St James' Park. Thanks for your visit Judy. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Victor Buhagiar February 22, 2021 at 10:55 PM I remember St. James Park. A lovely garden. Pity I can't travel anymore now. The pelicans are beautiful birds. A lovely poem. Tank you for reading my poems. ~~ Ann Gilmour February 25, 2021 at 1:18 PM Yes I love St James' Park Victor and often walk back to Victoria through the park, as there are so many different ducks and birds to see as well as the pelicans and of course the flowers are a joy too as sometimes they plant up the grass banks with masses of wild flowers ~ and it is glorious to see. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham February 22, 2021 at 3:57 PM Enjoyed your verse Ann, i never knew about them. Good news about easing of restrictions, hope the idiots don't spoil it for everyone else by partying like lunatics. Hope you're well. Tom Ann Gilmour February 22, 2021 at 4:04 PM Thanks Tom, yes they are such wonderful looking characters as they tend to move across the lake together and I have taken many photos of these comical looking birds. Yes good news indeed,but like you said I hope people continue to keep safe. It will be so good to slowly return to some semblence of normality, Keep well my friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx