Nebraskaland

March 2026 • Nebraskaland 45 graceful spirals. The birds barely flap and instead, they rely on thermals and air currents, making migration look effortless. But don't be fooled — the journey is grueling. Pelicans burn a lot of energy covering those long distances, and that's where Nebraska comes in. Our wetlands, rivers and reservoirs are the pit stops that keep them going, offering safe places to rest and fish. Without these rich feeding grounds, the miles ahead would be impossible for them to cover. Protecting these stopover sites isn't just good for pelicans — it's what keeps this ancient migration alive. Raising the Next Generation Not only is Nebraska an important migratory stop for pelicans, it's also one of the rare places in the interior U.S. where some American white pelicans settle down and raise families. These birds are incredibly selective when it comes to real estate — they won't just nest anywhere. They seek out remote, isolated islands on large lakes and reservoirs, far from people, predators and disturbances. These spots are like safe, floating fortresses where pelicans can focus on raising chicks without interruption. Nesting season begins in late spring. Males and females share nest duties, scraping out shallow depressions in the sand or gravel and lining them with sticks, grass or whatever vegetation is nearby. Each pair typically lays one to three chalky white eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month. When the chicks hatch, both parents step into the demanding role of delivering regurgitated fish meals multiple times a day. In these dense colonies, the young often form "pelican nurseries," called creches, where dozens of chicks huddle together for warmth and safety while their parents are off fishing. By late summer, these once-fluffy chicks are nearly adult size and testing their giant wings, readying for the first migration of their lives. When to See Them Catching sight of American white pelicans in Nebraska is all about timing. From March through May, they move north toward their breeding grounds, often arriving in impressive flocks that seem to appear almost overnight. Then, in late August through October, they head south again, gathering on Nebraska's waters to rest and feed before continuing their long journey. These migration windows are your best chances to witness one of Nebraska's most spectacular bird movements up close. They are not subtle travelers. You'll often see their enormous, white wings cutting across the sky in a graceful V-shaped formation, or see them gathered on the water, bobbing like a loose fleet of ships. Early mornings and late evenings are especially magical, when soft light turns their soaring silhouettes into something almost otherworldly. Every spring and fall, American white pelicans are reminders that Nebraska is part of something much bigger, a crossroads in their incredible journey across the continent. They are also reminders that the lakes, rivers and wetlands that they rely upon must be protected long into the future, so these ancient birds can continue to make their migration each year. N American white pelicans fly above Spotted Tail, a Platte River Basin Environments property near Mitchell. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND An American white pelican takes an early morning flight. CHRIS MASADA

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