I figure pelicans have a dry sense of humor. I would not expect a pelican to guffaw loudly at a joke. Perhaps he would snicker slowly, but only if it was really good. They certainly don’t need us, and pretty much ignore our existence during feeding time off the shallow shores of St. John.
It’s not at all unusual to be floating peacefully and have your daydream rudely interrupted by a fat splash inches from your face. I’m pretty sure they see us, and just as sure they categorize us along with the buoys and boats. Pelicans will feed off the small fry that congregate in can’t-miss fish balls, ironically for safety. Pelicans sleep and nest in the mangroves and sea grape trees along the shore lines, when not catching thermals and soaring across the island.