White Pelicans Stop In Illinois During Migration

Bird watchers say American white pelicans have begun stopping in central Illinois during their annual fall migration from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

The (Decatur) Herald & Review reports the birds with a 9-foot wing span have been spotted on Lake Decatur. Experts say the bird's migratory pattern typically follows a route west of Illinois, but have begun stopping in the Illinois River Valley in recent years.
 
Richie Wolf is the nature center manager at the Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur. He says Lake Decatur is a "perfect spot'' for the birds.
 
He says the birds don't stick around for long as they continue their southward journey. But he expects birdwatchers will be able to see new birds arriving until the lake freezes.