And -- once that stage is passed -- the chicks, getting their first feathers, lose their fighting instincts and develop social bonds. They group together in "pods" of up to 100 adolescents. And then, by Fall nearly grown, they fly.

Chase Lake, between Jamestown and Bismarck, is the largest nesting colony of white pelicans in the nation. We will have over 20,000 pelicans in the area. There will be 18,000 breding pairs and several thousand non-breeding birds.




Pelicans are a very egalitatian bird. It's difficult to tell males and females apart. Both parents incubate the eggs. Both mother and fther bring bits of fish and salamander to the young.

There are 10,000 nests and each mother and father know just which nest nest is theirs, which youngests to return to. How? We have no idea. It's part of the wonder and mystery of nature. By gazing on the wonder of Nature -- we gaze ont he wonder of our own being, as well.





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