Brown Pelican Woes in Southwest
Over the past month, a number of juvenile Brown Pelicans have turned up in various locations in Arizona, as far north as the Grand Canyon. Although a few birds generally show up in the state each year, this year’s exceptionally high numbers are unusual. Most birds that have been found are in poor condition and appear to be starving. Additionally, virtually all of the birds are first year birds. Brown Pelicans feed on small fish, such as sardines and anchovies. One theory is that these resources have moved further offshore into deeper waters, making it more difficult for young birds to find them. Marine mammals that share these food resources, however, appear to be unaffected. Birds in the Phoenix area have also been found injured after diving into cement roads and parking lots, presumably taking the paved areas for bodies of water.
Pelicans in California appear to be affected, as well. Over 100 young birds have washed up on beaches in California, weak, dehydrated, and near death. Biologists and other experts are unsure of the cause, but say that the birds act as though they are starving.
www.sonoranjv.org...
[edit on 27-4-2007 by Muaddib]

