Within the last week, over 35,000 white pelican have left their traditional nesting site at Chase Lake NWR in North Dakota. Nobody seems to know why these birds have left. I don't have any more details than this but will post any new information as I get it.
One question that needs to be answered is the extent of the dispersal and if any other mortality is occurring at another sites. If anyone is aware of large increases in pelicans in their area, or if they see unusal incidents of mortality, please respond to myself or your Regional Nongame Specialist. Reports of unusual numbers of white pelicans should include numbers of birds, locations (state, county, township, etc.) as detailed as possible and any known moralities. John Schladweiler MN Dept. of Natural Resources Asst. Regional Wildlife Manager 261 Hwy 15 S New Ulm, MN 56073 john.schladwei...@dnr.state.mn.us 507-359-6031