PELICAN INFESTATION AT MUIR

[sportfish1]

Fishers All !!

I have noticed over the past 1-2 weeks that the PELICAN POPULATION has increased quite substantially. The first day I noticed only one pelican. However, my last count was this past Saturday night, and I counted 15 of those magnificant birds on that little lake. I was speaking with a fellow fly fisher at Muir and he said that while at Hasse the other day, he said there were about 50 there.

 

My question is...are they doing serious harm to these fisheries ??? I realize they are one beautiful bird and I would not wish to harm them in any way.

 

BUT, is there anyway we can do something to get rid of them, as I truly believe that serious damage is being done by those pelicans, especially at Muir and I'm sure at other area potholes.

 

I would certainly like to hear EVERYONE'S OPINION

 

Brian Wiebe

Concerned Fly Fisher

[dave robinson]

Perhaps we could all play tourist or newspaper reporter

and simply paddle on ovre for a real close to take a look at them

and take lots of flash photos of pretty birds for posterity.

They may react like certain movie stars do for the paparatzi

and find a more private place to hang out.

[RangerBob]

On what could realistically be done to "try" to remove "problem wildlife".

 

Bear Bangers:

 

 

These cartridges explode with a loud bang after travelling 40 meters (131 ft.). Also known as Bird Bombs, Bear Bombs, Noise Bombs, Bird Bangers, Crackers and Twin Shot.

 

http://www.macecanada.com/canada/wildernes...Cartridges1.htm

 

Propane Cannon:

 

 

See also "propane cannons", but I suspect F&W would have something to say about it's use.. along with Parkland and local residents.

 

http://www.wildlife-control.com/tech/wv0297.html

 

Random blasts of "Bird Bangers" might also cause ire too though. I suppose in the end they have just as much right to be there too... and should be bugging out in about four weeks time. Now, if more return next year... you'll know if the problems growing. I see these birds on the Bow River near Carsland all the time. I don't hear anyone from Calgary complaining about them taking the odd fish.

 

Yes, know your enemy(s)... especially if they outfish you.

 

 

"Colonies range from a few birds to several hundred. It often contains juveniles and adults that do not breed. Some Alberta pelicans gather in groups and fly as far as fifty miles to a preferred feeding ground. White Pelicans leave Alberta in late September and migrate to the Florida and the Gulf of Mexico for the winter."

 

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/canadian_tourism/56693

 

"White Pelican colonies are found in the boreal forests, aspen parklands and prairie lakes of Alberta. If one area becomes unsuitable, they will abandon it for a more favorable site. Over the years, nesting grounds become barren. Continued trampling and excrement kill all vegetation."

 

http://www.constant-content.com/article/50...White-Pelicans/

 

NOW, if this 40 foot Heron from Barrhead flew down to nest at Muir we'd have a real problem, and need a real cannon.

 

[RangerBob]

Oh yeah, right from an Alberta website... another option.

 

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$departme....nsf/all/whb602

 

This one would be real popular with the fishing crowd ar Muir. Not!

 

My suggested solution is simple. Don't stock Muir next year! But then I'm not the only one who's apparently suggested that already. Let the existing fish there grow up a bit - I'd be more concerned about polluting the lake with small fish that outstrip the available food sources. Guess what - the birds are doing us a favor in that regard - Circle Of Life. Darwinism / Evolusionism at it's finest.

 

I'm curious, were Pellicans spotted here before the lake got stocked by FESA? I'm guessing probably not - or didn't stay for any duration if they were.

 

PS - This Heron I photographed on a stream Sunday night caught fish too. Yup, they gotta eat too... he didn't seem to mind I took his photo either.

[tuber]

I've noticed pelicans at a couple other lakes as well, where I haven't seen them before...and even on the North Saskatchewan....

 

Personally though, I enjoy seeing them. I enjoy seeing them along with the herons and Osprey, which also seem to be much more common than in previous years. Always amazed at how huge those pelicans and herons can be. And it's a thrill watching the osprey diving after their prey and juggling some impressively sized trout as they head back to their nests.!

[albertabowhunter]

If you really thought that you wouldnt have any predators show on this lake you must be lacking serious sleep. Just as ducks, geese, muskrats, loons, beaver, ect ect sow so will the birds of prey. I personally think this is good for the over populated lake. A few less trout in there will help the other grow a little faster. Every other lake in the province has the same conditions why would anyone think differently of Muir. But, maybe some are upset that the fish being eaten are not yet of the 20" size. Soooo, maybe someone should call report a poacher...and are they using bait? and, are their beaks barbless? I know they are definately not releasing them.....

 

I say leave them alone, and let nature take its course...

 

later

[RangerBob]

"MUIR JUSTICE LEAGUE" - THIS EPISODE: THE PELICAN BRIEF

 

Super Scratch: "So Doc Man, what can we do about the Pelican problem?"

 

Doc Man: "Grrrrr. What can we do about the Carp?"

 

Super Scratch: "I wonder how they taste?"

 

 

Related Links:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rangerbob/sets/210870/ ]

 

http://forum.nlft.org/index.php?showtopic=1092&hl=carp

[Scratch]

bowing. profusely.

[RangerBob]

bowing. profusely.

I figured you needed a pick me up.