Pelican Party on Kamloops Lake

A flotilla of
white pelicans bobbed and jigged
along the shore line.

~ carliewired

The American White Pelicans, on the endangered list in British Columbia, were making their way south from their breeding grounds in the Stum Lake in the Chilcotin. These large, fish-eating birds exist only in North America. It is estimated that their population is approximately 50 000 in total. They are very distinctive with black wing tips, noticeable while they are in flight. When they settle into the water, the black feathers disappear from view. They are excellent fliers and gliders. They fly with their necks tucked back, unlike swans or cranes. This group is on its way to its wintering grounds from central California to southern Mexico. By the end of April they will return to our province.