Scientific paper on local pelicans expected soon

A scientific paper is expected to be published soon on a five-year study of 36 pelicans that were wing tagged in the Peninsula area.

The paper, to be published internationally, will describe movements, survival, breeding habits and other activities of the species.

Ms Wendy Gillespie of Pelican Research and Rescue said: "In August 2010, an oil spill occurred in Newcastle Harbour.

"Over 30 pelicans were oiled...a number of oiled pelicans were observed in the Woy Woy area as a number were fishing at that distance and returning to feed young," she said.

"I was tasked with monitoring oiled birds in the Peninsula area particularly a heavily-oiled male who was provisioning very new young.

"He successfully cleaned himself over a couple of months and there appeared to be no adverse impacts on a female chick that developed normally, was banded at six weeks and left the area at around the usual dispersal time of around six months.

"Three years later 36 pelicans were wing tagged and metal bands applied to legs for most of these birds in the Peninsula area.

"The National Parks and Wildlife Service undertook this initiative as a follow up to the oil spill so that more information was gained on regional movement in preparation for any other pollution or major mortality events.

"This was also a joint initiative with the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health (Taronga Zoo).

"Of the pelicans banded, 15 were pre-fledging so that information on where they disperse to could be gained.

"Only one female has stayed in the local area and another was found dead under the Forster bridge during her first year.

"Only one other has been observed returning to breed in almost five years and a number were lost to storm water toxin and to eagle predation before fledging.

"Only six cases of fishing impacted tagged or banded birds have been treated locally in the period since.

"Five years of local observations together with a few public reports of tagged or banded pelicans further afield, has added very useful scientific insight into movements, survival, breeding habits and other activities," she said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 3 Jun 2018

Wendy Gillespie, Pelican Research and Rescue