Letter: Pelicans, eagles prove regulations serve good purpose

Since we moved to Beaufort in 1998, we have enjoyed the large variety of birds in our backyard and the tidal pond beyond our fence.

February brought pelicans to this pond to circle and dive for fish, and their numbers have increased over the years. Your recent article about the resurgence of the bald eagle was a reminder of why these pelicans bring me such joy.

The brown pelican was in serious decline in the 1960s, along with the eagles. After the ban on DDT they also rebounded. In the late ’70s, I was a resident of the Isle of Palms, and my friends and I had an ongoing contest to count the largest group of pelicans in flight. Imagine my delight when I counted 99 birds cruising in “V” formation one day.

To me, the sight of pelicans then and now gives me hope that we are able to make choices to protect our fellow creatures.

It is dismaying that during this presidential campaign, there are relentless promises to protect our jobs, borders, safety, economy, lifestyle, etc., and to restrict government regulatory measures. Yet I have heard next to nothing about protecting our wonderful planet on which we depend for our very survival.

How sad it would be if the bald eagle, our national symbol, and the pelican had disappeared forever due to apathy, greed, and lack of laws protecting our environment. We all should encourage the questions and discussion of priorities to protect our precious earth and our own well-being.

This story was originally published March 12, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Letter: Pelicans, eagles prove regulations serve good purpose."