Starving pelicans rescued along the California coast

A Brown Pelican soars across the water at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.  Photo by J.J. Meyer

Starving pelicans are pouring into bird rescue centers up and down the California coast, most of them young birds apparently having trouble learning to catch enough fish to survive.  About 25 birds have been treated this week alone at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach.  Los Angeles County and Bay Area rescue centers reported caring for more than 100 young, emaciated birds in recent days and weeks.  Starving birds have been found along roadways and even in back yards.  Rescuers say a large number of successful hatchings and fledgings on the Channel Islands is a likely cause of the influx of starving birds, a yearly phenomenon that cycles up and down but is especially heavy this year.  You can help by adopting a pelican or making a donation to the Wetlands & Wildlife Center.
J.J.