Squadron of American white pelicans spotted across Vancouver Island
Birder says pelicans may be investigating a new migration route
A squadron of rare American white pelicans has been spotted across Vancouver Island over the last few weeks.
"They have been spotted all over the Island in the last 10 days or so," said Birder Ann Nightingale.
"Everywhere from the Victoria golf course over Prospect Lake, Tofino, Parksville, Cowichan Bay — really travelling over the Island."
Nightigale said the pelicans could be developing a new migration route.
Nightingale said while B.C. has had only one breeding colony, there have been white pelican sightings as far back as the 1960s.
"They have been reported as far back as the 60s in small numbers but in the last few years, we've seen large flocks of them — small to large flocks over Vancouver Island."
She said the American white pelicans will likely be in the region for the whole summer.