By Lindsey Goodwick

Redstone Review

LONGMONT – It’s only once in a great while that Greenwood is honored enough to host a bird whose reputation as a fish eater keeps us on our toes.

This American white pelican was transferred from our veterinarian with a minor break in its leg. Its prescription is cage rest, in addition to the eight pounds of fish he requires daily! At first, he was confused by his aquatic enclosure and had to be assisted in eating. This included having two people hold him while another gently reached an arm into his bill and placed a fish in his gullet. After a couple rounds of this, we presume he got the picture and began fishing on his own.

Many people are surprised to learn that we have pelicans in Colorado. The American white pelican actually breeds inland within North America and retreats to the

coast over the winter. This gigantic bird has a ten-foot wingspan, dwarfing that of a great blue heron or bald eagle, both residents of the Lyons/Longmont area.

Unlike brown pelicans that dive for their food, white pelicans catch their prey while swimming. Their main source of food is fish but they will also eat crayfish and amphibians.

Supplying food for these birds is a great task. Luckily we have a volunteer who loves fishing and takes it upon himself to trap in local ponds everyday providing our feathered friend with bluegill and catfish delight. Unfortunately, he is not always able to catch enough. We are currently seeking fish sources–places that would be able to provide us with live fish to feed our patients or monetary donations.

Any help is appreciated. You can also help by patronizing our thrift store which recently moved to bigger location just a few spots down from its original site. It’s located in Boulder at 30^th and Walnut next to Casa Alvarez. We can accept donations of all types including furniture!

We are also working on our second annual Wild Night for Wildlife, which will be held Friday September 10^th in the Glenn Miller Ballroom on the University of Colorado Campus. You can learn more about attending or donating auction items by visiting our website at www.greenwoodwildlife.org.

Lindsey Goodwick is the Outreach-Education Coordinator for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

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