Wildlife -- Advice?

[Southbeacher]

A pelican just wandered into our garage (southeast of Penasco) . . . . standing there looking at us . . . . very tame . . . . won't leave. Probably ill, but I'm not one to watch / harbor sick and dying wildlife. Any place in town that might care for it? I'd even be willing to transport. . . .

 

[Stuart]

CEDO would be the only place I can even think of.

 

[Southbeacher]

CEDO would be the only place I can even think of.

Thanks, Stuart. Called them yesterday. They referred me to a specialist vet in town.

It being Sunday, we enclosed him in our courtyard overnight to protect him from coyotes (in case he merely had some sort of temporary poisoning). He seemed a little stronger today, and we nudged him out . . . he eventually took occasional short, low flight (which all day yesterday he wouldn’t even attempt) . . . . disappeared down the road. Leaving the rest up to Mother Nature.

 

[GV Jack]

Okay Mr Beacher, This may be an old wives tale but here's what I've been told. Can't vouch for authenticity.

When pelicans get older they lose their eyesight because of the diving at high speeds into the water.
Because of that, they are unable to feed themselves and go on shore to slowly starve.

Hopefully, your guy just had an upset stomach and will be fine.

Again, this is worth what you paid for it.

 

[Queen of Kings]

Seen a lot more sick/injured/dead pelicans on the beach these last couple weeks. A lot more than I remember in the past.

 

[Roberto]

Too danged HOT !!

 

[Southbeacher]

Okay Mr Beacher, This may be an old wives tale but here's what I've been told. Can't vouch for authenticity.

When pelicans get older they lose their eyesight because of the diving at high speeds into the water.
Because of that, they are unable to feed themselves and go on shore to slowly starve.

Hopefully, your guy just had an upset stomach and will be fine.

Again, this is worth what you paid for it.

Yeah -- My initial thoughts (and final thoughts) were that he was putting himself out to pasture. No apparent injuries. Just "out of fuel" . . . . .

 

[Stuart]

Glad to hear he went on his way. I have to wonder if the heat isn't playing a part, perhaps causing a toxin in their food source (red tide kind of thing) at the moment.