The Come Back Kid… So to Speak

February 19, 2008

The Brown Pelican is about to be removed from the endangered species list now that the populations have increased along the southern coastline. I got to admit that this is one of my favorite birds to watch because it looks so awkward that one wonders if they can fly when you see them sitting on a pier post. But then you seeing them soaring over the waves looking for dinner and you can’t help but marvel at how effortlessly they do this, until they dive in with a splash on top of some unsuspecting fish. I can watch these guys for hours while listening to the pounding surf and often do while I’m at Carolina Beach.

Scott Harper from the Virginia Pilot has a great story about the Brown Pelicans comeback and some of the challenges predators present to this bird. Seems like many birds the raccoon can do a number on the nests eating the eggs. Good predator control is important and trappers provide an important service along with hunters to help keep the predators in check.