Brown Pelican In Need Of Help

I was down at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands this weekend.  It was nice.  Some terns diving in the waters to get fish.  Skimmers, well skimming along the water.  I decided to head out to the back part of the wetlands.  It took the path along PCH.  It is noise and the smell of the cars can be abit much at times but the birding can be quit good.  About a 1/4 mile into the hike I came across a brown pelican.  He was sitting in the path.  Pelicans usually will not sit in a path that is used by people.  They will move out of the way.  It is usually a sign of sick bird when this happens.  It is best to get help from someone who knows how to handle these birds.  They are large and their beaks are razor sharp.  If you do attempt to capture a sick pelican then the best thing is to throw some light netting over the pelican.  You want to make sure you get a hold of the beak and not let it go.  Then either hold the animal to make sure you do not injury the wings.  either hold the animal around the belly and keep it close to you is probably the best.  If you are at the wetlands you can contact the and wildlife and wetlands care center.  They can help transport the animal.

Well lucky for him one of the directors from the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center was setting up to give tours at the wetlands.  I told him of my friends problem (sitting in the path with a drupy wing and not responding very well).  We went and got my friend and took him to the Care Center.  He was checked in immediately.  I think I will call tomorrow and see how my friend is doing.