American White Pelican

 

April 3rd

          This morning Mike and I drove to Pipe Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky.  Even though it is a bit of a schlep, it is one of our favorite marshes.  We were hoping to find some recently returning marsh birds, a Caspian Tern or maybe some American White Pelicans.  The weather was grey and gloomy but not windy or too cold.  As we started walking to the marsh, we looked out at the open water and immediately saw a group of three white pelicans on the far shore.  Success! 

          We walked the trail to the marsh and saw a nice variety of ducks.  As we turned onto a side trail, we were rewarded with the harsh rattling trill of a Marsh Wren.  Then a B-52 American White Pelican flew directly overhead and gave us a fantastic view.

          White Pelicans were uncommon visitors to Ohio in the 1800s.  By the early 20th century, their population had declined due to wetland loss and rampant shooting for sport.  Various pesticides, including DDT, also took a toll.  Purging of the toxic chemicals, better protection of nesting colonies and wetland restoration has spiked the pelican population.  Their principal range is west of the Mississippi River, but they have become increasingly common in Ohio and elsewhere in the East.  It’s probably just a matter of time before they nest here.

          After lunch at Quaker Steak & Lube we went to Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve.  Here we saw lots of Golden Crowned Kinglets and Mike was able to get a good photo.  

(2 new species, total 145)

          American White Pelican

          Marsh Wren

                        American White Pelican

                                 Ruddy Duck

                           Greater Black-backed Gull

                                                            Gadwall

                     Bonaparte's Gull 
(transitioning to breeding plumage)

                             Golden-crowned Kinglet






Comments

  1. AnnApril 4, 2022 at 5:25 AM

    That is a great photo of those active little birds that never sit still.

    ReplyDelete

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