The Red Panda is quite long: 79-120 cm, or 31 to 47 in (including the tail length of 30 to 60 cm/12 to 24 in). Males weigh 4.5 to 6.2 kg (10 to 14 lb); females 3 to 4.5 kg (6 to 10 lb). The Red Panda is specialized as a bamboo feeder, with long and soft reddish-brown fur on upper parts, blackish fur on lower parts, light face with tear markings and robust cranial-dental features. The light face has white badges similar to those of a raccoon, but each individual can have distinctive markings. Its roundish head has medium-sized upright ears, a black nose, and very dark eyes: almost pitch black. Its long bushy tail with six alternating yellowish red transverse ocher rings provides balance and excellent camouflage against its habitat of moss- and lichen-covered trees. The legs are black, short with thick fur on the soles of the paws hiding scent glands and serving as thermal insulation on snow-covered or ice surfaces. The Red Panda is specialized as a bamboo feeder with strong, curved and sharp semi-retractile claws standing inward for grasping of narrow tree branches, leaves and fruit. Like the Giant Pandas, it has a “false thumb” that is an extension of the wrist bone. from wikipedia

Fun facts
• Pelicans are an old family of birds, with fossils dating back almost 40 million years!
• Gulls often sit on pelicans’ heads, trying to steal a meal when the pelicans open their bills slightly to empty out the water.
• The lower half of a pelican’s bill can hold up to 3 gallons (11 liters) of water, which is 2 to 3 times more than can be held in its stomach!
• A group of pelicans is called a pod.
source: sandiegozoo.org

It was late in the evening when I got a visitor. It stayed for a while to accompany me as everyone were fast asleep snoring and I the only one fiddling my keyboard.