MorningSong
3rd July 2010, 20:23
La. Pelicans Released in Georgia
Wildlife officials released 72 pelicans in Georgia
Updated: Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 3:55 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 3:55 PM EDT
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) - Wildlife officials have released 72 Louisiana brown pelicans in Georgia waters after the birds were cleaned of oil and flown to Brunswick on a Coast Guard plane.
The birds were rescued from the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service veterinarian Sharon Taylor watched as the birds were released into Glynn County’s Plantation Creek on Tuesday.
“Not only did the Coast Guard fly us here, they gave us this incredible release site,” she said.
The Coast Guard brought in reservists to help carry the crates from air-conditioned vans along the long catwalk to the dock where Coast Guard and Georgia Department of Natural Resources boats were moored.
When Taylor and the Coast Guard personnel and others eased the tops off the crates, some of the birds shuffled to the back. Some hopped out hesitantly, while others quickly flew away.
Three floated together near the middle of the creek and others joined them in a flock. Some flew a short distance toward St. Simons Island before flying back and gathering in a flock of about 20 on the creek.
Others flew west toward the Sidney Lanier Bridge over the Brunswick River a short distance away.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremy McConnell, officer in charge of the Brunswick station, said the mission is an unusual one for the personnel under his command, who typically are involved in search-and-rescue and homeland security operations.
“We’re working in conjunction with all the others in a partnership in a historic event. We’re doing everything we possibly can,” McConnell said.
Brad Winn, who works in nongame species for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said it’s hard to tell what the pelicans will do.
Birds with eggs in a nest may try to get back to them, but that’s usually birds at least 4 years old, he said. Juvenile birds are more likely to stay in Georgia waters, but even the adults may not have the stamina to fly home.
“These birds have received the very best of care. Certainly it’s everybody’s hope ... they will survive,” Winn said.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/la-pelicans-released-in-georgia-063010
Wildlife officials released 72 pelicans in Georgia
Updated: Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 3:55 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010, 3:55 PM EDT
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) - Wildlife officials have released 72 Louisiana brown pelicans in Georgia waters after the birds were cleaned of oil and flown to Brunswick on a Coast Guard plane.
The birds were rescued from the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service veterinarian Sharon Taylor watched as the birds were released into Glynn County’s Plantation Creek on Tuesday.
“Not only did the Coast Guard fly us here, they gave us this incredible release site,” she said.
The Coast Guard brought in reservists to help carry the crates from air-conditioned vans along the long catwalk to the dock where Coast Guard and Georgia Department of Natural Resources boats were moored.
When Taylor and the Coast Guard personnel and others eased the tops off the crates, some of the birds shuffled to the back. Some hopped out hesitantly, while others quickly flew away.
Three floated together near the middle of the creek and others joined them in a flock. Some flew a short distance toward St. Simons Island before flying back and gathering in a flock of about 20 on the creek.
Others flew west toward the Sidney Lanier Bridge over the Brunswick River a short distance away.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremy McConnell, officer in charge of the Brunswick station, said the mission is an unusual one for the personnel under his command, who typically are involved in search-and-rescue and homeland security operations.
“We’re working in conjunction with all the others in a partnership in a historic event. We’re doing everything we possibly can,” McConnell said.
Brad Winn, who works in nongame species for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said it’s hard to tell what the pelicans will do.
Birds with eggs in a nest may try to get back to them, but that’s usually birds at least 4 years old, he said. Juvenile birds are more likely to stay in Georgia waters, but even the adults may not have the stamina to fly home.
“These birds have received the very best of care. Certainly it’s everybody’s hope ... they will survive,” Winn said.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/la-pelicans-released-in-georgia-063010