Pelican Colony on Main Pool at Horicon NWR. - FWS photo

This year’s colonial nesting survey was conducted on May 17^th.  Ten small islands in Main Pool were surveyed again this year. The islands are remaining spoil banks along Main Ditch from the dredging that took place in 1912.

Results from the survey show a decrease in pelican nests this year –most likely due to higher water levels. This year there were 494 American White Pelican nests, 456 Double-crested Cormorant nests, and 2 Ring-billed Gull nests. In 2006 there were 763 American White Pelican nests, 371 Double-crested Cormorant nests, and 139 Ring-billed Gull nests.

Biologists with Wisconsin DNR assisted FWS staff with the survey.