St James's Park in Westminster has announced new rules for visitors following the arrival of a new pelican flock. The Royal Parks charity has warned visitors to keep their distance, keep dogs on leads, and avoid disturbing the birds as the chicks continue to grow and develop.
Pelican chicks take first swim
The park had been preparing some new pelican chicks for their first swim on a secluded island after they were born in mid-May. They have now finally started following their parents into the lake. Nick Burnham, senior wildlife officer, said: “Visitors will not only be able to see them swimming – they’ll hear them, making unusual high-pitched noises which sound a bit like a Pug barking. They are definitely getting bolder. We’re seeing them mimicking their parents’ behaviours, waddling after them and waving their young bills around to keep cool – a characteristic called gular fluttering.”
Unique behaviour and appearance
Burnham added: “They’re covered with brown, soft, fluffy feathers, which they will lose when they mature. They’re starting to hang around together as a unit, called a crèche, which is typical for these highly social birds. Right now, they’re sticking close to their parents, but before long they'll be off exploring.”
Historic pelican colony
St James’s Park has been home to pelicans for nearly 400 years, with the first birds gifted to King Charles II in 1664. Today, the pelican colony remains one of the park’s most distinctive and beloved features, drawing visitors from across the UK and around the world. These chicks are the first ever to be born in the park's history.
Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager of St James’s Park, said: “It’s been a thrill watching the chicks take their first plunge. Park staff and visitors alike have enjoyed seeing the youngsters cautiously paddle across the water to get their water wings and become more daring. Their fluffy, juvenile plumage and curious behaviour have already made them a popular attraction with all of us - one chick is particularly audacious.”
Future naming
The chicks haven't been named yet but will be named in due time once they are old enough to be sexed.
