Brown pelican sightings in NYC could mean the southern birds are here to stay, according to scientists

"Benjamin Forbes trekked down to the shorelines at Breezy Point, Queens, on a windy Friday morning in November. Forbes, with NYC Plover Project, checks on the habitat most weeks, but lately something has been standing out: pelicans, which most people associate with warmer climates. "It's stunning to have them here," he said. "There were a whole bunch of them in groups, fishing, diving in the water. At least 45 pelicans. It was quite incredible." Right away, Forbes started snapping photos and videos of the birds."

"Experts said the visuals were unlike anything they've seen while working with coastal and avian life around New York City. They said the pelicans should have migrated south already and that they've never documented this many so late in the season. Experts say you may see pelicans in Southern New Jersey this time of year and into the winter, but even 100 miles makes a big difference for these birds. "The concern is when they start to displace other species""

Dozens of brown pelicans were observed at Jamaica Bay and Breezy Point, with at least 45 individuals seen fishing and diving in groups. Such numbers and timing are unusual because pelicans typically migrate south by late season and are rarely seen this far north. Researchers note that sightings represent both a northward movement of a southern species and improvement in coastal habitat following decades of cleaner water. The presence of whales, seals, and now pelicans reflects healthier marine ecosystems. Scientists express concern that expanding pelican populations could displace native species and indicate broader environmental change driven by climate shifts.

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