Even though the American White Pelican is common in California’s Central Valley marshes and rice fields, they generate lots of excitement when they arrive at Ingram Slough and Ferrari Pond where I walk most mornings. Yesterday morning, the last one standing, really, stood out from the dark water. No other pelicans were in evidence. What struck me was that it was standing, not paddling around, and that its enormous pouch was draped along its neck.