Concerns about the rare Brown Pelican
Vagrant Brown Pelican preening – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed Utah’s long-staying rare Brown Pelican again yesterday morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and as I took photos of it I worried about its future. I have already seen temps in the low 20’s, ice on ponds, frost and snow in the mountains and I know that chances are that this vagrant Brown Pelican wouldn’t be able to survive a Utah winter.
Many of our American White Pelicans have already migrated to warmer climates and they are tough birds that often return to northern Utah when the waters surrounding the Great Salt Lake are still frozen. I have seen them as late as December but this Brown Pelican probably isn’t quite as tough as the white pelicans can be.
Resting Brown Pelican on the Bear River – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It isn’t unusual for the Bear River to freeze over completely where this Brown Pelican has been seen since late August and if the pelican is still around when the river freezes it won’t be able to catch the fish it will need to survive one of our harsh winters. The water that does remain open during the coldest parts of our winters may not be enough for the pelican.
So, I hope the Brown Pelican decides to leave Utah soon and will spread its wings to head to a warmer climate where it will be able to survive. Brown Pelicans are usually found on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and they don’t normally wander as far inland like this one did.
It has been interesting, thrilling and exciting to have this vagrant Brown Pelican in northern Utah to observe and photograph but the longer it stays the more concern I have for it and its survival as our temps continue to drop.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Brown Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.
I do hope it survives. And thrives.
If he doesn’t leave, I hope there is a wildlife rescue facility nearby that can take him in for the winter. Thanks for the beautiful photos and story, Mia.
If he doesn’t leave, I hope there is a wildlife rescue facility nearby that can take him in for the winter. Thanks for the beautiful photos and story.
Come home, pelican! I wonder what might be wrong with his navigation system, poor thing.
Just exquisite images Mia. Love how he’s so suited for his environment, mimicking the gnarled, weather tree. Do let us know if he makes a safe migration south….if you know. 🙂
I hope it leaves soon as well. It would be heartbreaking for it not to make it through the winter there.