American white pelicans are not normally found in lakes in the winter. Usually, they migrate from the northern states to the coastline.
Birds of a feather flock together — even in unusual weather.
On Sunday, Dec. 27, about 100 American white pelicans were seen at Brewer Park. They have continued to return throughout January.
According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, over 1,500 American white pelicans migrate to Florida in the winter. However, these birds typically stick to the coastline. In the past, they’ve been seen in bay areas and on coastlines such as Sanibel Island.
The birds, which are identified by the black under their wings, target inland lakes and ponds or islands mainly during the summer. The shallow areas of these bodies of water are perfect for fishing during the breeding season. The pelicans, who primarily gather in large groups, help one another with feeding.
Among Plant City residents who spotted the pelicans were Don Phillips and Ann Trinkle.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Phillips said. “There were over 100 of them. Five or six sat in the middle by the fountain … it’s very unusual, but good for Plant City.”
Phillips spotted the birds again in Lakeland at Kelly Lake, though only five or six were present.
“Nobody could believe that there were that many of them in one place,” he said. “I’ve never seen them before (inland). I only saw one to two at a time at the beach in the summertime. We were right up close to them.”
Ann Trinkle saw the birds during the same span of time as Phillips. The birds were gone by Tuesday, Dec. 29, but Trinkle said they returned once more on Sunday, Jan. 11. Employees with the Plant City Recreation and Parks department saw them on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
“It was incredible,” Trinkle said. “They were beautiful.”
Trinkle has not seen the American white pelicans before, but has seen the more common gray and brown pelicans. The latter live in Florida year-round. Trinkle added that she also frequently sees blue herons and ducks at the lake.
“Those are there all the time,” she said. “But these white pelicans, never.”
There is no definite reason why the birds selected Brewer Park as a temporary winter habitat. The state has seen warmer winter temperatures than usual, with a December average of 61 degrees. During winter, the birds traditionally travel from North America to warmer climates, including Central America.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
BIRD NERD
American White Pelicans
Habitat: Typically found in North America during the summer, when they breed, and migrate to Central America during the winter.
Features: Mostly white, but have black feathers that can be seen when they spread their wings
Body length: 50 to 65 centimeters
Wingspan: 96 to 114 inches
Source: AllAboutBirds.org
