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Hundreds of American White Pelicans are currently migrating through the region along the Mississippi Flyway. More than 900 pelicans have been counted at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO (just across the Clark Bridge), and the numbers are growing daily.

Measuring 60 inches in length and 107 inches in width, the American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America and the only white pelican.

American white pelicans winter on the Gulf Coast, California and Mexico. During the spring and summer, they migrate to their nesting areas in the Great Plains and Great Basin. The pelicans can be seen in large numbers at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for a three-five week stretch during these seasons. In recent years, it has not been uncommon to see small numbers of flocks stick around throughout the year. Besides visiting the Riverlands, pelicans can easily be spotted on the river when driving along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway from Alton to Pere Marquette.

For those interested in seeing a pelican up close, visitors will have an opportunity to meet “Scoop” the pelican at the annual Wings of Spring Birding Festival held April 26, 2008 at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The World Bird Sanctuary will be giving the scoop on pelicans with 30-minute presentations at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Other festival activities include: live entertainment, Raptor Awareness Program, live bird demonstrations, guided birding trips and hikes, educational activities, wildlife watching cruises and festival food! For more information, go to www.WingsofSpring.org or call 1-800-258-6645.

Call the Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-258-6645 for the best places to view the pelicans and other migratory birds.
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