American White Pelicans at John Martin Reservoir

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

I encountered a flock of 21 American White Pelicans roosting and flying
in to roost at Clayton Point at John Martin Reservoir (Bent County)
today. While pelicans linger late into December or even the first week
of January here, they are almost never encountered after the first week
of January, and those that linger are often sick or injured. Many years,
vanguard flocks of healthy birds arrive here the last week of January.
None were present yesterday or since mid-December here, so these appear
to be migrants. I believe that American White Pelicans are worthy of
consideration as the first harbinger of spring, at least in this part of
the state.

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO