Photo of Pelican A67 by Bernardo Alps
If you’re participating in this year’s Banded Pelican Sighting Contest along the west coast, here are some sighting clues that could bring you one step closer to winning a spotting scope from our friends at Eagle Optics…
It looks like a good year for Brown Pelicans along the coastline of the western U.S. Thousands are being seen feeding on schooling fish such as sardines and anchovies. Many of these are first-year birds just learning how to feed. Our Blue-Banded Pelicans that were rehabilitated at our centers in California also are among these flocks of birds.
Clues on where to find Blue-Banded Pelicans:
• Look on breakwaters or anywhere pelicans roost in harbors. Also, check out fish-processing areas.
• Many Blue-Banded Pelicans are being seen in Washington state and Oregon at several locations, including the town of Westport, where they hang out on the breakwaters, or in Astoria on the breakwater.
• On the central California coast, we have received many reports from Dinosaur Rocks at Pismo Beach where pelicans hang out.
• Another California tip: Monterey harbor and Pillar Point Marina in Half Moon Bay are ideal locations for pelicans to roost and feed. These make for excellent Blue-Banded Pelican spotting sights.
Good luck!