Transient young Brown Pelicans having problems finding fish

San Mateo County Daily Journal/Staff, 7/20/12. "PHS caring for dozens of pelicans."

Looking for an estuary

The Peninsula Humane Society is giving a helping hand — or is that wing? — to more than 30 sickly Brown Pelicans in need of urgent care over the past two weeks after they became grounded in San Mateo County.

Pacifica fished-out

The fledgling animals, which were formerly considered an endangered species, are thought to be starving as they migrate up the coast because their primary food source of various fish has been depleted, according to PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.

In a typical year, PHS may see 20 to 25 pelicans but not in a concentrated time frame as is happening now. PHS staff are calling in extra volunteers and staff to get the birds examined, warmed, medicated, hydrated and fed while also continuing the care of the other 200-plus animals in the agency’s care. .... 

Once endangered, maybe again

The goal is making the birds healthy enough for release or transfer to another facility within the week but Delucchi said PHS staff recognize some will not survive."  Read Article.

Related article - Half Moon Bay Review, 7/20/12.

Reference -  Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, Volunteer. 

Reference -  Smithsonian National Zooligical Park, "Meet our Animals"  Brown Peligan Facts:  Distribution and habitat:  There are seven or eight species of pelican in the world. Brown Pelicans breed from Anacapa Island, California south to Chile and from Maryland to Venezuela and Trinidad. After breeding, they may be seen as far north as British Columbia and Nova Scotia. They are the only species of pelican that is strictly marine in habitat, never found more than 20 miles out to sea or inland on fresh water. They prefer shallow inshore waters such as estuaries and bays."

Posted by Kathy Meeh