The imm. Brown Pelican was still at New Castle Res., Iron
Co. this morning (Sat. 5/15) between 10a – 11a. Right now there seems
to be some confusion (at least from what I’ve heard-all second and third
hand) on whether the Brown Pelican found at Beaver was released at Quail Creek
Res. or New Castle Res. I have also heard third hand that the Beaver bird may
have been an adult, which if true then the New Castle bird is a different bird. I’m
trying to find out all the exact details and will post what I find out as soon
as I find out something. Some people are asking if you can count the
Brown Pelican if it was captured and then released. Well, I’m not sure
what the “official rules” on that would be. The bird(s) obviously
made it to Utah
on its own. I do know that ABA
rules say you can count a mist-netted bird only after it has been released for
2 hours and you re-find it. Is this the same thing? It was transported
somewhere else (i.e. assisted by man to its new location). But like I’ve
said before I feel personal lists are just that –personal- and you can
count whatever you want. I feel you should play by the rules though if you
submit your list(s) for publication along with others. Whatever the outcome of
this Brown Pelican saga it is one of few records for the state and a great
bird.
Steve Summers
Cedar City