Tri-State Bird Research & Rescue in Newark is treating Brown Pelicans that did not migrate south for the winter for frostbite for the third time since 2007.
Heidi Stout, veterinarian and executive director of Tri-State Bird Research & Rescue, said it's a mystery why the birds failed to migrate. Tri-State treated pelicans in 2007 and 2008 for the same condition, but there did not seem to be a problem in 2009.
There are 18 pelicans being treated this year and all of them have responded well to treatment.
“It’s a real challenge because the frostbite can be so extensive it damages their pouch, wing tips and feet that they can’t thrive in the wild,” Stout said. “Sometimes euthanasia is the approach that is taken. Unfortunately, there is not a big demand for pelicans in captivity.”
| By the Numbers 3 years Pelicans have been treated at Tri-State 3 months Pelicans will stay 18 Pelicans are being treated at Tri-State 10 Pelicans were treated at Tri-State in 2008 18 Pelicans were treated at Tri-State in 2007 |
The birds will remain under Tri-State’s care until it gets warmer and their food source returns.
Stout said research and monitoring of the migratory patterns of these birds has started to try and pin point their reason for staying.
“This has generated discussion among biologists,” Stout said. “Biologists were surprised it was an issue this year. There’s a heightened awareness of the situation.”
To donate visit tristatebird.org, mail to or drop off at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. Donations of used flat sheets and bath towels may be dropped off at the center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
