Well now, you wouldn’t believe it, but there’s a whole lotta pelicans out here in Iowa! Yep, them big, white birds are flyin’ ‘round like they own the place. Every year, come spring and late summer, these pelicans make their way through Iowa on their long journey to wherever it is they’re headin’. They ain’t just passin’ through like some folks—no sir, some of ’em settle right here on the wetlands. I tell ya, it’s a sight to see.
Pelicans in Iowa? You bet! They ain’t what most folks picture when they think of the Midwest. Most people, they think pelicans belong to them warm southern waters, down by the Gulf, or out there in places like Florida or California. But nope, they come all the way up here to Iowa too! They spend their summers here, floatin’ on the water and landin’ in the wetlands. Folks in Iowa City, especially, been watchin’ ’em flyin’ over the river like it’s no big deal, but trust me, it’s a big deal. If you catch a glimpse of them majestic birds spreadin’ their wings, you won’t forget it.
Now, don’t go thinkin’ they’re just wanderin’ about without a reason. These pelicans, they got themselves a purpose. Every spring, they migrate through Iowa. And when I say migrate, I mean they’re flyin’ a long, long way. They come from their winter homes down south in the Gulf of Mexico and head on up to places like Canada, where they do their breedin’ thing. When they’re on the move, you can see big groups of ‘em—hundreds of pelicans—flockin’ together, floatin’ on the air like they’re puttin’ on a show just for you. I swear, you can’t help but stop and stare at that sight.
Where do they come from? Well, they’re not just some random birds that found their way here. These American White Pelicans are part of a whole bunch of migratin’ birds that travel from all over. Sure, they got their regular spots they like to visit, but some of ‘em make their way across the whole country. They like to hang around fresh and saltwater lakes, rivers, and estuaries. It’s the perfect place for them to rest up before they keep goin’ on their way. You might see ‘em up high in the sky, or floatin’ on the waters like they own it, especially when they’re headin’ through places like Iowa City.
Sometimes, when you’re standin’ there lookin’ out over the river, you’ll see ’em in the distance, all together in a big, beautiful group, flappin’ their wings like they’re takin’ turns showin’ off. There’s somethin’ mighty peaceful about seein’ that. And let me tell ya, there ain’t nothing like watchin’ a pelican flyin’ by with that big ol’ beak of theirs, just glide across the sky. You won’t believe your eyes.
Now, you might think it’s just about the beauty of the birds, but folks here in Iowa been talkin’ ‘bout ’em all year long. Some of ‘em been even watchin’ them pelicans crashin’ into things. Yep, that happened once not too long ago when a couple of pelicans had a little trouble with a telephone pole near Benton Street Bridge. Don’t worry though, they didn’t seem too bothered. They just shook it off and kept on flyin’. Ain’t no little bump in the road gonna stop ‘em from doin’ their thing.
What’s so special about these birds? You might ask. Well, they sure stand out, that’s for sure! Their bright white feathers with that splash of orange on their beaks and the black tips on their wings make ‘em look mighty regal, even though they’re just doin’ their regular business. They come and go like they’re part of the land, like they been here forever. And the best part? They’re just passin’ through on their way to somewhere else, but while they’re here, they sure do make the place feel a little more special.
Folks say they’ll stick around until September before they head back down south, to Louisiana or wherever they spend the winter. So if you’re in Iowa and you’re lookin’ for somethin’ beautiful to look at, just head to the river or the wetlands. You might just catch yourself a pelican show. And who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll get to see even more of ‘em flyin’ overhead.
So, if you ever get the chance to be in Iowa during the time when these birds are migratin’, don’t pass it up. It’s somethin’ you won’t forget anytime soon, watchin’ these big ol’ birds as they do their thing. It’ll make you appreciate the simple things in life—like a good flight and a beautiful day.
Tags：[Iowa, Pelicans, American White Pelican, Migration, Wetlands, Iowa City, River, Birdwatching, Wildlife]
