Outdoor enthusiasts watch as once-rare American White Pelicans return to their summer nesting grounds in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The pelicans were driven to near extinction in the early 20th century from human pressures. There were no reports of nesting pelican in Minnesota for 90 years, from 1878 to 1968. But, with help by the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program along with federal regulations, pelican populations have made a slow but steady comeback. There is an estimate of 22,000 pairs of pelicans nesting at 16 sites on seven lakes in Minnesota. Pelicans are considered one of the world’s largest birds. These birds are easily recognized from their wingspans up to nine feet, bright white plumage with black-edged wings, and their very large orange bills differentiate them from any other species. Lisa Gelving-Innvaer, DNR nongame wildlife specialist, advises that the birds be best enjoyed from a distance. “Pelicans are very susceptible to human disturbance and contact should be minimized,” she said. Due to the oil spill in 2010, which is an area where American White Pelicans winter, surveys of pelican colonies in Minnesota are being conducted to help determine potential impacts of the spill to Minnesota breeding populations.
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