The Canadian Press
VICTORIA–A rare sighting has bird-watchers on Vancouver Island aflutter.
American white pelicans have been spotted in several areas of the Island, from Tofino and Parksville all the way south to a golf course in Victoria.
Victoria-area naturalist Ann Nightingale said climate change may have brought the birds further west than usual, but added it’s not certain why the pelicans suddenly are interested in Vancouver Island.
A colony of American white pelicans is known to breed at a site west of Williams Lake in the Chilcotin region, but it is the only breeding colony in B.C.
The birds do have well-established breeding sites across the Prairies.
The Environment Ministry said the white pelican has been designated as an endangered species in British Columbia.
The migratory bird is one of the largest in North America, with a wing span of up to three metres.
