Taking the Plunge

I was watching a nature program on TV tonight about pelicans.

This episode of Wildlife On One (abreviated to WOO!) focused on the high diving antics of pelicans including the intricate take-off and landing procedures required on water.

Check out the video (.ram file - requires RealPlayer)

"...so what does it take for a pelican to become a campion high diver?" asks David Attenborough in his trademark, softly-spoken voice.

Well, for a start, the pelican chicks get crapped on by their parents. Yes, you read that right; the shade of the mother is not enough to keep the youngsters cool, so poo is deliberately expelled onto them to help maintain a lower temperature.

That is officially the funniest thing I have learned today.