White pelicans have been spotted in the Tranquille Wildlife Protected area and in Cooney Bay over the past 3 years.   These large birds migrate to the BC Interior over the spring-summer, then return to the southern U.S. for winter.  A full grown pelican can stand 5 feet high and have a wingspan of up to 9 feet, the second largest bird in North America.

They usually work together in small flocks, to drive fish toward waiting bills, consuming about 2 kg of fish each day.   They breed in March-April and nest a month later.   They nest in colonies and the chicks leave the nest after about 4 weeks.   The pelicans we see in our area are non-breeding birds.  They are here to feed on the fish coming up the Thompson River.   A popular spot is right where the river empties into Kamloops Lake.   In 2013, they could be seen from

In the fall, they can be spotted on migration routes from the Cariboo, on their way south.   A flock of 10 spent a few days in Campbell Lake at the end September.

One of the best photos of local pelicans was captured by Mike Anderson (link).  A few shots taken by me from the shore and from kayak are also shared here.

On Campbell Lake at the end of September

Cooney Bay in September

On Kamloops Lake

In the flooded Tranquille Wildlife Management area

Near the mouth of the Tranquille River