April 06--American white pelicans have returned to Batavia's Dick Young Forest Preserve -- a sign that summer is on its way.
Forest Preserve District staff spotted several of the large white birds in the Nelson Lake marsh section of the preserve Friday, said Kane County officials in a news release. The pelicans have been stopping over Kane County during their migratory patterns for 15 years, said Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources, in the release.
The staff estimates they've seen as many as 250 pelicans on Nelson Lake at a time.
Officials suggest visitors hurry to the forest preserve to catch sight of the pelicans, though. The birds typically stay for just two to three weeks before heading back north. Officials recommend visitors use the Nelson Lake Road entrance for easy access to the lake overlook and nearby trails.
meltagouri@tribune.com
