pelicans

[73irgrads]

Just by chance, has anyone ever seen or heard of pelicans at Isle Royale? I could have sworn I saw two flying westbound near the north end of McCargoe Cove last summer. I've spent plenty of time in the gulf region so I think I'm certain of what I saw. It really surprised me. Tommy D.

[johnhens]

The NPS lists White Pelicans as seen as a migrant. The follow the Mississippi River somewhat as they migrate North. Here (the Chicago area) they are seen more frequently and in greater numbers each year. I have seen them every year now for about 10 years or so at a site in Kane County which is about an hour west of Chicago and about 2 hrs east of the Mississippi. The first year there were 7 and in subsequent years as many as 200. They will also follow the Lakeshore north. So seeing them on IR, not out of the question. I saw a Whimbrel there once, my one and only siting of a Whimbrel.

[Ingo]

John, do you know how far north pelicans migrate?

[Tom]

Ingo - I'm pretty sure some pelicans will migrate almost up to the northern border of the "southern" Provinces. (So, northern Alberta, for instance.)
I do enjoy when the migration comes through the Twin Cities. Given they are a "water bird" and so could easily cross Superior, I don't see a reason that you might not see one around Isle Royale.
If you've ever had the chance to watch a flock 'circle,' it's quite something.

[Midwest Ed]

If you've ever had the chance to watch a flock 'circle,' it's quite something.

Along the Mississippi where I live there can be congregations numbering in the thousands. It can be quite spectacular. They take advantage of the numerous dams as do eagles for fishing.

This video of a flock swarming or circling is a small example.

http://youtu.be/T7TJWQSnDR0