BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The federal Fish and Wildlife Service says the number of American white pelicans that returned to nest at a refuge in south central North Dakota is the second-lowest in two decades.
Biologist Paulette Scherr says the massive big-billed birds and their chicks appear to be in good shape at the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
An aerial count showed 10,235 pelican nests. Biologists estimate two adults per nest.
The count was up from 14,000 last year, which was the lowest number since 1992. Biologists have been doing aerial surveys since 1972. A record 35,466 birds were counted in 2000.
