Crossing the water

Post date: Nov 15, 2013 1:04:19 AM

Our pelicans are on the move!

Last weekend, two of the Chester Island birds, CH19 and CH23, crossed the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. The trip took about 24 hours from Louisiana, where both birds had traveled after breeding. CH 19 crossed from Grand Isle, LA to the northern coast of the Yucatan, while CH 23 crossed from Vermilion Bay to the western side of the peninsula.

CH19 at capture (5/24/13)

CH19's track from 24 May - 13 November

CH23 at capture (5/25/13)

CH23's track from 25 May - 13 November

Interestingly enough, I had just received the results of DNA analysis and can confirm that both CH19 and CH23 were females. Overall, we tagged 34 male and 29 female pelicans this summer-- pretty close to 50/50!

Several of the other pelicans are beginning to migrate, with some traveling along the Mexican coast and others headed toward Key West. I'll continue to share some more of their movements as they settle in for the winter.