[EBB Sightings] Epidemic number of ailing pelicans

EPIDEMIC NUMBER OF AILING ADULT PELICANS RAISING CONCERN

Aquatic bird specialists, International Bird Rescue Research Center  
(IBRRC) is noticing a trend in pelicans along the coastline from  
Monterey to San Diego and they need your help.

An unusual number of birds are coming in thin and disoriented - being  
found on roads and in fields, even freeways. What is remarkable is  
that many are adult pelicans. Often this behavior is associated with  
domoic acid from a marine algae but so far the birds exhibit no other  
typical neurological disorders.

IBRRC is asking for your help in reporting sick pelicans to your  
local rescue organization or by calling the toll-free California  
Wildlife Hotline 866-WILD-911. You are encouraged to leave  
information on dead pelicans there as well by pressing option 2.

Both of IBRRC's facilities are in need of assistance in transporting  
pelicans from other centers and with the care of the high number of  
birds in treatment. There's dire need for funds to offset the cost of  
caring for these huge birds which last year was more than $60,000.00  
in fish alone!

IBRRC's adopt a pelican program is a unique way to help while  
becoming personally involved in a pelican's care and release. Now,  
school classrooms have an opportunity to adopt their own pelican and  
watch it be released. More at their website ibrrc.org.

To help, please send inquiries to info at ibrrc.org or call the  
Fairfield facility at 707.207.0380 or the San Pedro center at  
310.514.2573.


Rebecca Dmytryk
WildRescue
P. O. Box 65
Moss Landing, CA 95039
wildrescue.org

Home/Office 831-768-9068
Cell 831-840-3896
Local (Monterey Bay) Rescues 831-429-2323
CA Hotline: 866-WILD-911