Alberta’s overwintering Pelican now mysteriously gone
Posted Feb 16, 2023 5:41 pm.
Last Updated Feb 17, 2023 6:49 am.
Alberta’s overwintering “Elsa” the pelican is now mysteriously gone, as she hasn’t been seen since Jan. 19.
“There are hundreds of people who miss her,” said John Reasbeck, a photographer documenting her stay at Frank Lake.
Elsa is an American White Pelican, who overwintered at the lake for the last two frigid Alberta winters because of an injured wing. She has become quite prolific in the bird community, as her species usually fly south to places like Mexico to escape the cold.
“We were thinking, where might she have gone, and possibly she went to a place where there’s open water, and fish and protection,” Reasbeck said.
The last time Reasbeck saw her was on Jan. 18 — she was flying north, potentially preparing for her new journey. There was another possible sighting on Jan. 31 by a member of the community, but no documentation.
“But after that, nobody in Alberta Birds has seen Elsa,” Reasbeck said.
Because of her endurance, will, and of course, beauty, thousands of people are following her plight. There’s wonder and concern about her whereabouts.
In the meantime, Reasbeck continues to provide updates and regularly visits Frank Lake.
“Every few days for some time, but I decided to go every week,” he said.
“Chances are she discovered that she can fly well. Why is she sticking around Frank Lake where it’s so cold?” he explained.
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Thorsten Hebben with Ducks Unlimited Canada, which oversees Frank Lake, says the lake has been taken over by the invasive species — Carp Fish, which is helpful in her survival.
“I think celebrity is the right word for this particular bird,” said Hebben.
“She was actually able to thrive under those conditions, and there are two things going on there. One is open water, a pelican needs open water to survive, and then with the addition of the carp, she had a very abundant and reliable food source.”
Reasbeck is hopeful she’ll return in the Spring.
“I’ve been following Elsa for so long, and taking pictures, and sharing my thoughts and pictures with the Alberta Birds community. I’ve come accustomed to seeing her, and it would be nice if I could see her again,” said Reasbeck.
