And now you'll know!

[Lee Borgersen]

 

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
                                                          March 17, 2016

  ......
Pelicans on annual spring migration to Minnesota

 


  ........
Flocks of giant white birds are catching the eyes of outdoor enthusiasts across Minnesota, as once-rare American white pelicans migrate north to their nesting grounds across the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

American white pelicans are among the world's largest birds and are easily recognized in flight.  Wingspans up to 9 feet, bright white plumage with black-edged wings and large, orange bills distinguish them from any other species.

"Pelicans often fly in evenly spaced lines or V formations," said Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, DNR nongame wildlife specialist. "Unlike swans or geese which fly with necks outstretched, pelicans fly with their necks doubled back against their shoulders. They often set up a rhythmic pattern of wing beats that ripple from the lead bird back to the end."

American white pelicans were driven to near extinction in the early 20th century from human pressures. There were no reports of nesting pelicans in Minnesota for 90 years, from 1878 until 1968.

  ....
Conservation efforts and federal regulations have helped pelican populations make a slow and steady comeback. Still, they remain one of Minnesota's Species in Greatest Conservation Need.

"The prairie pothole region of western Minnesota hosts 22 percent of the global population of this species," Gelvin-Innvaer said.

In Minnesota, the last survey estimated about 22,000 pairs of pelicans that nest at 16 sites on seven lakes across the state. This year, another statewide survey will provide an update.

American white pelicans leave Minnesota each fall as lakes and rivers freeze. They winter along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Mexico and typically return to Minnesota in early spring, as lakes and rivers thaw.

They are highly social and live in large, dense colonies. They feed exclusively on small fish and crustaceans and will work together for a meal.

"A group of pelicans will swim in a semicircle to herd their prey into shallow water," Gelvin-Innvaer said. "Then, they'll scoop up fish and water in their beak pouch, drain out the water and swallow their food."

Pelicans are popular among wildlife watchers. Gelvin-Innvaer advises that the birds are best enjoyed from a distance. "Pelican nesting colonies are vulnerable to human disturbance . Minimizing contact helps to conserve them as part of Minnesota's natural heritage," she said.

For more information on American white pelicans, visit www.mndnr.gov/pelicans.

Pelicans are one of the many wildlife species that benefit directly from tax-deductible donations to the Nongame Wildlife Checkoff on Minnesota tax forms or online at www.mndnr.gov/nongame/donate/. Checkoff dollars fund research, surveys, habitat restoration and education for more than 700 nongame wildlife species. Each dollar donated is also matched by funds from the Reinvest In Minnesota account.


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[glenn57]

oh great!!!!!!!!

[Lee Borgersen]

oh great!!!!!!!!

Hey Glenn,

Imagine if the long shore mens' union members had a grievance about pelicans pooping on their heads. With the information that I just provided. The union negotiation represenitives would now  sound like experts and impress the court.

Knowledge is the key to successes!

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[Retired on Osakis]

Osakis has a large colony of the damn things. Already started arriving. Saw a group of 30+ in an area of open water on the south end of the lake this afternoon. Them things eat a lot of fish and they aren't all small fish. I've watched them spend 30 minutes or more trying to choke down some large fish. Eventually they get them down but they really need to work at it.

[Boar]

i had intern for the Thief lake WMA in college, and was doing some boundary delvelopemnet in the mosse river drainage, I drove up to a pool and a large flock of pelican got up from being startled from my approach, they actual winged over my truck not more than 30 yards over head. neat site till one released a bomb so big that I litterally watched it slow motion like decend towards my truck, So close was the ball of trailing feces that I could see color differences in its make up. it landed square on my windshield with a thump like a kid just pellted my truck with a snow ball. and everything went to sh it. litteraly. I had to hit the brakes cause this bomb splattered and covered my entire windshield in a blik of an eye. so what was my reaction?? hit the wipers, bad Idea. spent a hal anhours portaging water to wash of the winsheild just so i could drive. not fond of peicans.

[glenn57]

oh great!!!!!!!!

Hey Glenn,

Imagine if the long shore mens' union members had a grievance about pelicans pooping on their heads. With the information that I just provided. The union negotiation represenitives would now  sound like experts and impress the court.

Knowledge is the key to successes!

but Lee union members are so use to being "pooped" on from above that they'd figure it was just another way management operates!!!!!!!!!!!