A Pelican Palooza: Spring migration of enormous visitors sparks celebration

With the spring migration of American white pelicans in full swing across the region, a celebration of these enormous, large-billed visitors is about to launch in Fox Lake.

Another edition of Pelican Palooza, a two-week event beginning Wednesday, April 1, promotes the village and the annual presence of the wondrous birds.

American white pelicans are among the largest birds in North America, with a wingspan that can reach 10 feet. They’ve been stopping in Fox Lake for about 20 years to rest and forage en route to breeding grounds in the northern Great Plains and Canada.

Spotting the enormous birds along the Chain O’ Lakes and other locations has become a rite of spring. Pelicans travel in large groups, and hundreds can be seen together at times.

Photos are a mainstay on social media during the migration. And because pelicans often share space with other migrating species, such as common loon and horned grebe, it is a birder bonanza.

Once a species in steep decline, American white pelicans are showing encouraging signs of recovery, and their increasing presence around the Great Lakes is a hopeful sign that improving water quality and habitat protections are helping wildlife rebound, said Carolyn Lueck, president of Lake County Audubon Society and Sharing Our Shore Waukegan.

Pelicans soar on rising air currents called thermals, and large flocks can suddenly appear over a lake when weather conditions are right, she said.

“Watching large numbers of pelicans soar into town in swirling groups called kettles is such a cool sight,” Lueck said.

Besides inland lakes, pelicans also can be spotted along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and places such as Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, Waukegan Harbor and other stretches of shoreline can be good places to see them resting or soaring, she added.

American white pelicans began arriving on the Chain O’ Lakes about a month ago, observers say. A surge that came with warmer temperatures and has tempered, although there is plenty of pelican season to go, Lueck said.

“I think the big numbers are on their way,” she said. “I would certainly encourage people to go exploring.”

Casual bird watcher and Fox Lake village Trustee Brian Marr said he noticed pelicans stopping in town about 15 years ago, with more arriving each year.

He suggested the idea of a pelican fest, and staff and the village board worked out the details that became Pelican Palooza, which debuted in 2021.

“I think the event helps on several fronts by bringing people to the area,” Marr said. “The pelicans give them something to see and do while encouraging interaction with local businesses.”

“It also helps to educate people on the importance of the Fox Waterway as a flyway for migrating birds,” he added.

Pelican Palooza features a photo contest, scavenger hunt and raffle for a 36-inch gas griddle and cart, business deals and activities at Fox Lake District Library.

“It’s a fun, easy way to connect with local businesses and for us to encourage people to shop locally,” said Jennifer Kuhn, program and events manager for the village's parks and recreation department.

“It also is a way to educate people about our community,” she added.

“People come up to check them out,” said Pete Jablonski, owner of The Coffee Shop on Grand Avenue, near the shore of Pistakee Lake.

As one of 13 participating businesses, his shop offers customers a 15% discount on a Pelican Latte — a white mocha with dulce de leche caramellike drizzle.

“We try to make it look like a pelican,” Jablonski says.

Visit foxlake.org for participating businesses and other information.