Three months after their arrival at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Newark, 16 brown pelicans are being prepared for their return to the wild. These pelicans were brought to Tri-State from southern Maryland in early January, suffering from frostbite and starvation as a result of the early freeze in December. The birds were given medical care as well as a steady diet of fish, and have continued to be housed at Tri-State awaiting warmer weather. A sizable number of pelicans did not survive the effects of winter.
In anticipation of their upcoming departure, Tri-State staff gave each bird a final medical evaluation to ensure that it is healthy and will be able to survive in the wild. Each pelican was fitted with a permanent metal band, so it can be identified and tracked if spotted by the public or wildlife biologists.
In cooperation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Tri-State returned the birds to their home in the Chesapeake Bay this week. With the help of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologists, the pelicans were transported by boat and released into an island colony. By introducing them to an existing flock that did migrate, Tri-State and local officials hope that these birds will not stay too long in the area next winter.
“It is heartwarming to give these beautiful creatures a second chance to soar freely over the gentle waves of the bay,” said Tri-State’s executive director, Heidi Stout, VMD. With the last of the release plans in place, Stout reflected, “This couldn't have been done without the support of our dedicated volunteers who cared for the pelicans rain or shine and the generosity of the donors who enabled us to purchase thousands of pounds of fish to feed the pelicans.”
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is a licensed, nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization that cares for nearly 3,000 injured, orphaned, and oil-covered native wild birds each year ranging from hummingbirds to eagles. For more information about Tri-State, visit
www.tristatebird.org.
