You knew a pelican's beak could store more than it's belly can. But did you know it can hold up to 13 litres, which in some cases has resulted in the birds snapping up the most unlikely of meals – a chihuahua.
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This was just one of the shocking facts visitors to Tidbinbilla's Nature Reserve Sanctuary heard on Sunday at a pelican feeding – where small dogs were left off the menu.
Ranger Leith Collard said most people who attended the daily pelican feeds were surprised to learn the waterbirds were native to inland and coastal areas and enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fish – as well as a few unexpected food options.
"They usually see them down near Batemans Bay and don't realise they can live in freshwater areas as well," she said.
"They're opportunistic [feeders]… they are able to eat almost anything.
"They eat things like small turtles, ducklings, goslings and there's been stories of pelicans taking small dogs like chihuahuas."
Australia is home to only one species of pelican which is found all over the country.
While Tidbinbilla's captive Australian pelicans George and Mildred were the stars of the show, Ms Collard said the talk also taught visitors about conservation and what they can do in and outside the area to maintain the health of the ecosystem.
Visitors on Sunday also had the chance to spot a wild platypus at the pond.
Ms Collard said the monotremes were known to be shy, but at Tidbinbilla it was common to see two to three a day.
All animals in the reserve are native to the region.
Ms Collard said visitors to the reserve contributed to its successful threatened species breeding programs for the northern corroboree frog, southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby and eastern bettong through increased awareness and donations.
"Some people don't even what a bettong is; by coming out and being able to talk to wildlife rangers like myself they're able to learn a whole heap of stuff," she said.
"I encourage people to come out more than once because every day is different.
"We get 30 degrees days that are sunny but we had snow this year as well, so it doesn't matter what time of year, you always have a different experience."
Ms Collard said they had many international visitors but she was always surprised more Canberrans didn't take the time to enjoy what was on their doorstep all year round.
"It's only a 20 minute drive from Gordon," she said.
"We can cater to people that just like being out in bush… we have a lot of walking tracks which range from really easy to quite hard… we also get a lot of birdwatchers coming out here."
Visitors could also hear about koalas and corroboree frogs in the weekend talks and during school holidays the reserve hosts Indigenous activities such as boomerang-throwing and hunting and gathering.
The daily pelican feeds will continue for the rest of September as part of the reserve's Explore program.
