Pelicans Make a Comeback to Great Salt Lake's Islands After 80 Years
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Chapter 1: The Return of the Pelicans
Pelicans are remarkable creatures, known for their unique physical attributes. As the poet Dixon Lanier Merritt whimsically noted in 1910, they can carry more in their beaks than one might expect.
Historically, the American white pelican has been absent from Gunnison Island in the Great Salt Lake during spring for decades. This location isn't necessarily ideal for raising young. "It's quite an inhospitable environment," remarked John Luft, the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager, to the Salt Lake Tribune. "The heat is intense, and there's no fresh water."
Nonetheless, these birds used to nest on this isolated island, which, while harsh, offered protection from predators. The surrounding wetlands provided an abundant food supply for both adult pelicans and their chicks.
Twice a year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conducts aerial surveys to monitor pelican populations. In summer, ecologists band the birds to track them during migration. "I often think about how tough it must be for these birds, enduring the relentless heat without any trees for shade," Luft noted. "There's nothing there, making it a challenging nesting site."
Why then, after such a long absence, have pelicans returned?
Section 1.1: The Impact of the Feather Trade
In the late 19th century, the feather trade devastated bird populations, including pelicans. During two strolls through Manhattan in 1886, ornithologist Frank Chapman observed a staggering number of native birds that had been killed for the fashion industry. These birds were primarily used to adorn women’s hats, a trend that led to the widespread hunting of various species.
The demand for feathers surged, particularly among affluent women who decorated their clothing and accessories with extravagant plumes. Auctions in 1902 revealed that over 1,600 packages of heron feathers alone were sold, resulting in the death of nearly 200,000 herons that year.
While pelicans were not the most sought-after birds, they nevertheless suffered from the trade. Fortunately, the establishment of the National Audubon Society and the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1913 prohibited such hunting, allowing bird populations to begin recovering.
Section 1.2: Chemical Threats and Population Decline
Despite their recovery, pelicans faced a new threat in the mid-20th century: pesticides like DDT. Originally developed to combat insect-borne diseases, DDT was later found to harm wildlife, particularly birds. When pelican mothers or their eggs were exposed, fewer chicks hatched each year.
By the 1970s, DDT was banned, and pelican populations began to rebound. However, by then, the Great Salt Lake was experiencing its own set of environmental challenges.
Chapter 2: The Current State of the Great Salt Lake
Section 2.1: Climate Change Effects
The Great Salt Lake has become a prime example of human-induced climate change. The lake has been shrinking for years, and this decline has made Gunnison Island less isolated from predators. Now, coyotes can easily reach the islands, threatening the pelican nests.
The nesting population of pelicans has dramatically decreased over the years, from an average of 4,290 nests to just 2,900 in 2023. Despite thousands of pelicans attempting to nest on Gunnison Island, many were forced to abandon their eggs due to predator encounters.
Section 2.2: Hope on the Horizon
However, there is a silver lining. Researchers observed pelicans nesting on Hat Island for the first time in over 80 years. While this island hasn’t been a true refuge for decades, the return of pelicans indicates a potential turnaround.
Luft expressed cautious optimism, noting that the Great Salt Lake requires an additional two to three feet of water to provide a safe habitat for pelicans. "This year, having two islands is better than one," he remarked, hopeful that some of the pelicans will successfully nest and raise their young before migrating south.
As we continue to learn about these magnificent birds and their habitats, it's vital to recognize our role in their conservation and to support efforts that protect them.
Section 3: Fun Pelican Facts
Here are some interesting tidbits about the American white pelican:
- Common Name: American white pelican
- Latin Name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Size: Ranges from 50 to 70 inches in length, with substantial beak size.
- Habitat: Breeds on islands in shallow wetlands; winters on coastal waters.
- Diet: Consumes about 4 pounds of fish daily, using a swimming technique rather than diving.
- Lifespan: Can live over 20 years; the oldest recorded was nicknamed Grandma Moses.
- Sounds: Generally silent, but make low grunts during mating season.
- Plumage: Snow-white with distinct black flight feathers when wings are spread.
We share this planet with countless creatures, each deserving our respect and care. As we observe and learn more about the pelicans, let’s strive to be good stewards of the environment, ensuring a brighter future for all species.
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