Sea Notes

Not So Pelican Brief

Great news to report today. The brown pelican has been officially declared recovered and removed from the Endangered Species list! If you live along the California Coast, you will know this to be true. Large squadrons of the amazing, yet somewhat prehistoric-looking pterodactyl can be seen skimming the waves today. Even just 10 years ago, this was not true.

Brown pelicans, along with other iconic birds such as the Peregrine falcon fell victim to the effects of DDT in the environment. The clarion call was sounded in Rachel Carson's famous 1962 book, "Silent Spring" warning of the impacts of pesticides on the nation's songbird populations. But it was over 10 years before DDT was finally banned in the U.S.

DDT's impact on pelicans (and others) was to alter the way they metabolized calcium, the essential ingredient for a healthy egg shell. As a result, pelicans laid eggs with fragile shells that easily broke during the incubation period. As a result, very few chicks were born and the populations started to plummet (pun not intended).

Despite the U.S. ban, DDT persisted in the environment for many years, and its impacts are still felt today in some wildlife populations. However, for birds like the pelican, whose future looked very uncertain, this particular bullet has been dodged.

Always good to have a reason to celebrate, and recognize that when our species steps up to the plate and does the right thing, our wildlife can recover.

Lonesome George to be Less Lonely?

So, strictly not a marine life story, but Lonesome George, the last remaining true giant Galapagos tortoise, is a legend in his own lifetime. Quite a long lifetime, as it happens - as he turned 90 this year.

Scientists are now excited to find that after 36 years as a single bachelor, George appears to have found his happy ending and a new lease on life when he mated with one of the two females they found for him.Five apparently healthy eggs have been found in his pen.  Fingers will be crossed for the next 120 days to see if they prove fertile.

Go George, go!

Monday's Inspirational Photo - A story of survival

This weekend, I took my first trip along the Big Sur coastline, since the devastating fires passed through that we reported on over a month ago. I was eager for a glimpse of one of the fire's surprising lessons; that the population of California condors living in our area had "gone native" and found their own food supply in troubled times.

Biologists from Ventana Wildlife Society, the local organization responsible for the introduction of condors back to their former home, were delighted when access to the region was once again open, and they were able to account for almost all the birds. In fact, one that had been "missing" until only this past Friday, hopped right onto the cliff in front of me, as I watched number 35 above, all within sight of the fire's lightening-triggered starting point.  

With most of the birds accounted for, staffs' attention must turn to the rebuilding of the condor Sanctuary in the Big Sur back country. This facility is critical to the work they do, both to maintain the health of the released birds, but also as a "training area" for young birds before release. The fire swept through the non-profit's facility, totally destroying the large aviary, along with other important structures and equipment. The condors are captured each year at the sanctuary and tested for lead poisoning. Feeding on carcasses of animals shot with lead bullets was one of the main causes for the almost complete extinction of the species. Sadly, this still continues to be an issue and the flock is closely monitored.

Find out more about Ventana Wildlife Society and the incredible work they are doing to bring back this amazing bird at their website and keep your fingers crossed that the condors that are yet to be heard from will show up on the radar soon!

Film Friday: Winged Migration

May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day. Check out this promotional You Tube video.

We hope you can find a way to join the celebration. Click here to find an event near you.

Even if you do not live on the path of a migratory flyway, you can still find ways to help our feathered friends. Many bird populations around the world are in serious decline, but there are simple ways to make a difference.

Did you know that your coffee choice can have an impact on migratory birds?

Look for bird-friendly alternatives, such as shade-grown beans. Coffee is a shade-loving plant, and was traditionally cultivated underneath existing trees in a process that protected the native forest. Today, many farmers continue to raise coffee beneath shade trees, and the plants provide sanctuary to migratory birds.

For more bird inspiration check out the website for the ultimate wildlife documentary on birds: "Winged Migration".