Pelican stranded near Rock River

BARSTOW -- Help may be on the way for a lone pelican stranded in Rock Island County for several weeks after some 50 others in its flock flew south.

It's been seen swimming in a drainage ditch near the Rock River.

Local animal activist Art Norris says the bird may not be able to fly, and he is worried that the weather or predators might kill it.

Moline animal rehabilitator Susan Allison planned to visit the pelican Thursday, and will ask Barstow firefighters to help with a rescue, if necessary.

Another rehabilitator, Ann Sullivan, says staying in the Quad-Cities this winter isn't necessarily a death sentence for the pelican. She knows of one with a broken wing that's been seen in the area for a few years.