The Mayor Has Wings

To many of the villagers of St. Simons Island, Georgia, he is commonly known as Pete, but the pelican who has taken personal ownership of the town pier is more like an unofficial mayor and goodwill ambassador, posing for photos as long as there is someone willing to aim a lens in his direction.

I don’t have the back story on this guy and have no idea of his political affiliation, but it is abundantly clear that he loves a good sunset and knows how to work it like a pro. Locals say he even loves posing alongside tourists for selfies.

If you have never enjoyed this magical little island, which is one of the famed Golden Isles along the Georgia coast, you should go have a look and enjoy. In addition to some great restaurants and a massive canopy of ancient live oaks that will take your breath away all by themselves, there is historic Christ Church and a lovely lighthouse, plus a great view of Jekyll Island just across the main channel and the famed Sidney Lanier Bridge, seen on the far horizon in this photo.

And by all means, when you make it down to oceanfront Neptune Park and the town fishing pier after dinner, be sure to tell the mayor that Beth says hey.

Photo by Beth Yarbrough.