By the
hundreds they've been treated and cared for at specialty rehabilitation
centers.
But what
happens to the sick or injured California brown pelicans once they're set free
again? What are their chances for surviving back out in the wild?
Researchers
are hoping an ongoing survey of the pelicans treated at California's bird
rehabilitation centers will provide them with a better glimpse into how the
birds fare - and where they go - once they are released.
"We've
put a lot of time and money into these birds," said Jay Holcomb, director
of the nonprofit International Bird Rescue that operates a facility in San
Pedro. "We wanted to know if they're surviving."
Some of the
California brown pelicans head north for the winter - not south like most other
birds. Many have been found as far north as British Columbia, according to
study results.
It was known
that many of them fed along the Oregon and Washington coasts but that the young
pelicans flew so far north so quickly after they were released was a surprise,
Holcomb said.
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