American White Pelicans are making a comeback according to the DNR’s latest press release. The big white birds that are loafing on the rock islands and floating on the big lakes of Voyageurs National Park are Pelicans! A bird that was rarely seen until recent history.
American White Pelican, photo by Doug Stone
In the spring of the year, Pelicans develope a big orange flap on the top of their big orange bill. Both males and females grow this flap in the springtime. Later in the summer the flap is gone. No one really knows why the flap grows or what it’s purpose is. Only a Pelican knows for sure!
http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2013/04/05/pelicans-return-to-minnesota-after-near-extinction-2/
