Brown Pelicans Return to Monterey Bay - - - - - - - - and other signs of Spring

The Blog has been quiet for a few days - not being as able to get out as the aging body has brought on some limitations. But -

We were out for a few hours yesterday and saw the beginning of the return of the Brown Pelicans to the area. They have been gone for the winter and it's a nice sight to see them gliding back into their local habitat. After being declared endangered in 1970 they had recovered sufficiently by December 2009 to be taken of the endangered list with a condition that they be monitored for the next 15 years. It is a welcome sight to see them recovering from their serious decline. The Elkhorn Slough Organization has excellent information on the Brown Pelican on their web site here.

The following quote from the web site describes the Brown Pelican decline: "In the late 19th and early 20th century Brown Pelicans were hunted for their feathers to adorn women’s hats. After World War I, they were slaughtered by the thousands to avoid fishing competition, and their nests were raided for eggs. In the late 1940’s, widespread use of DDT contaminated fish the pelicans ate which resulted in egg-shell thinning and chick deformities. By the 1960’s Brown Pelican populations were in serious decline."

Although most of the Brown Pelicans in this area are post-breeding visitors from Mexican and southern California nesting sites, they have nested successfully at nearby Point Lobos where they have been observed exhibiting breeding behavior in recent years. At times when the population was low their arrival dates were in June but now with a growing numbers pelicans have begun to arrive as early as April in some years.

We saw three "flights" of the recovering pelican population within a few minutes - all heading north along the shore near Point Pinos. It certainly was a welcome sight - not having seen them in quantity during the winter months. I was able to get this shot of an individual by cropping him from one of the "flights" as they soared overhead. Note the under-wing feather detail and texture.

There were more opportunities to get groups of the Pelicans soaring over head. This shot shows several in "formation" apparently gaining some benefit from their close proximity.

Another shot of an individual shows their magnificent ability to effortlessly soar along the shoreline.

We also saw a lone Canada Goose begging with visible anticipation in the parking lot near the shore. You can imagine he has been fed (illegally) before.

At nearby Crespi Pond we saw a certain sign of spring. A successful breeding pair of Canada Geese with their new little goslings. Spring is a wonderful time of the year - bringing new life and opportunity for all our wildlife neighbors.

Another sure sign of spring at Crespi Pond is this male deer with his "velvet" rack covering - enjoying a patch of lush grass near an unconcerned Canada Goose. There are many deer that share the open space of the Pacific Grove local golf course with the golfers. We see them all over this end of the Town - often eating any unprotected delicacies in the nearby neighbors yards.