Photos of American White Pelican at our Los Angeles center by Bill Steinkamp
As we noted yesterday on our latest count of birds in care at our centers, International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles wildlife care center currently has two American White Pelicans. One of these birds was found in distress with its leg and wing wrapped in fishing line, and was brought to us through remarkable teamwork by bird lovers in the San Fernando Valley.
After several weeks at our center, this beautiful pelican is ready for release (and very ready to return to its pod) at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve’s lake, where it was rescued. This bird is scheduled to be released on Saturday. If you’re in the area, please join us to celebrate!
WHAT: Release of American White Pelican
WHEN: Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Lake. The address of the wildlife reserve is 5600 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys 91411. See map below for release location at the wildlife reserve.
Google Earth map courtesy James Hanlon
We extend our deepest thanks to the many bird lovers and organizations who helped bring this bird into care, including the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, California Wildlife Center, the Los Angeles Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team (SMART), and wildlife photographer and naturalist James Hanlon.
Pelicans are among the most costly birds to rehabilitate. Please consider supporting International Bird Rescue so that we can continue to care for these birds. Check out birdrescue.org/donate to find out how you can help.
And read James Hanlon’s full guest report on this bird’s story, from capture to release, this weekend on our blog! (Check out his wildlife photography here.)
