American White Pelicans are again clustering on Pool 8. Interesting to note that in 2008, I noted that on March 23 the pelicans were back to Pool 8 en masse. Please comment for us on where else you are seeing them!
A long-time river rat living on Grey Cloud Island observes that the migrating pelicans cluster behind the melting river ice to feast on the winter kill of fish as they work their way into northwestern Minnesota. So they congegate in specific areas until the ice further north has melted.
While we have many American white pelicans who stay for the summer, now is a great time to watch them as many thousands slowly make their way up the river.
I had an Australian friend who never understood why spring was such a joy to those of us in the Upper Midwest—until she visited here in Winter.