RECENT STORMS KILL AND INJURE PELICANS

By Debbie Bulloch



The recent Southern California storms have left quite a bit of damage in their wake. Even our feathered friends are not immune from the ravages of the recent rains and high winds. As the story below, from KTLA - Channel 5, describes the California brown pelicans have been hit especially hard.

SAN PEDRO -- Nearly 70 California brown pelicans have been rescued by wildlife officials after days of heavy rains and flooding in Southern California.

Most of the birds are suffering from hypothermia. Their feathers normally protect them from the cold but oil, grease and other contaminants washing into the ocean as a result of storm are preventing the birds from getting warm and dry.

Many of the birds are being brought to the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro, near Los Angeles Harbor. Volunteers are gearing up for dozens more.

Center spokesman Paul Kelway says the incessant rain has prevented the birds from getting dry and that has weakened their immune systems. At least two birds were found dead and two more died after arriving at the center. Kelway says most are doing well. The center is treating 33 pelicans and Santa Barbara County authorities are bringing in 36 more, he said. Crews are being sent to Santa Monica amid reports that dozens of birds are in trouble.

"Seabird feathers provide a natural barrier to water, as well as insulation from the cold" said International Bird Rescue and Research Center's director, Jay Holcomb. "These pelicans are getting cold and wet because the water quality is so poor right now and these added contaminants are preventing the feathers from doing their job."

"As well as coping with the storms, many of the pelicans we have received have seal bite injuries, a result of feeding frenzies due to commercial and public fishing. These injuries make it even more difficult for the birds to cope with the severe weather conditions out there this week."

Over the next week, workers will feed the birds, warm them up, wash them off and get them ready for release. That process could take five to seven days per bird.

The long-beaked pelicans weigh 8 to 10 pounds, stand about 4 feet tall and have a 6- to 7-foot wingspan. They are a symbol of the Pacific Coast, and were recently removed from California's endangered species list, Kelway said.

Treatment costs about $500 a bird, Kelway said.

The center is asking for donations to help support the care of these animals. To help save these pelicans please go to Pelican Rescue.

If anyone comes across sick or injured seabirds they should call International Bird Rescue Research Center at (310) 514-2573.

Copyright © 2010, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles

Dead pelican washes ashore :-(



Pelican being nursed back to health



(Photo: International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro / January 21, 2010)

This is what pelicans ought to look like :-)))



(Except as otherwise credited, all photographs © 2009 - 2010 by DB. All rights fully reserved.)

Finally, this is why pelicans could not weather the January storms - we must all do our part to keep the environment clean.



I have literally spent 100s of hours watching these beautiful, graceful birds fly in formation up and down the Ventura coast. I never get tired of watching, in total amazement, as they dive from high above, right into the ocean to catch fish; I love to photograph them flying solo or in formation.

If you live in Southern California and see what you think maybe a pelican in trouble (a pelican in trouble is just about any pelican that is not flying or floating upright as shown on the video) please call the number listed on the above story. And if you are not completely tapped out from donating money to the victims of the Haitian earthquake, please consider sending a few dollars to the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro.

Thanks!