On this bright, cool, February morning, I encountered the first flock of American white pelicans that I have observed at Eagle Bluffs this year. Having wintered on bays along the Gulf Coast, they are on their way to lakes and wetlands across the Northern Plains, where they will breed.
This morning's flock numbered about 75 individuals, huddled along the shore of a lake. As the air began to warm, the pelicans soared above the floodplain, their white plumage reflecting the brilliant sunlight. Having split into two flocks, they may remain at Eagle Bluffs for a few days or circle northward through the Missouri River Valley.
Joining these beautiful migrants, five bald eagles also graced the scene, spooking flocks of waterfowl as they cruised about the refuge. The spring awakening is certainly underway and we can expect a steady increase in avian visitors over the next few months.
