In our blog on the Malibu Lagoon 4/24/11 field trip, we noted that there were 740 Brown Pelicans resting at the lagoon. This was 110 more than our previous high count of 630 on 5/27/07, but we didn’t know why so many were there. This phenomenon is larger than the lagoon, and others are wondering as well.   [Chuck Almdale]

Buzz rising over local pelican population
San Diego Union; Tues., 4/26/11. Matthew T. Hall
Thanks to alert reader Muriel Kotin for sending this to us.
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Pelican population soaring in San Diego
San Diego Union; Tues., 4/26/11. Matthew T. Hall
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Here’s an article from March, 2010 which may turn out to have some bearing
Brown Pelicans washing up dead and dying on California beaches
Great-Western-Pacific Coastal Post; Weds., 3/31/10. Paul Rogers
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Elsewhere in the news.
News in Brief: Colorful duck bills hint at sperm quality.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/73215/title/News_in_Brief_Life
From Science News Online 4/21/11.
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The eyespots have it after all
New experiments may reconcile conflicting views regarding what makes a peacock’s plumage attractive to females.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/73585/title/The_eyespots_have_it_after_all
From Science News Online 4/27/11.
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