People attending the Wingnite campout near Maple Plain MN were treated with the sight of more than a dozen White Pelicans in flight overhead Saturday afternoon. Perhaps they were headed to Lake Minnetonka to rest during their migration. It was only the second time I’ve seen these huge birds. A few years ago, in the springtime, I saw a small group of them on the Snake River right from I35 as I passed.

Awesome! a couple of years ago, I spotted one on my way home from work......The only one I've ever seen in Dayton, Ohio in 40 years.....He was probably lost....It was an incredible sight to see him take off. I didn't realize it, but they have the largest wingspan of any bird in North America! I always assumed that distinction went to the Condor.....I was wrong.

Mike

Speaking of lost birds. This Roseate Spoonbill was spotted in Bloomington MN a month ago.

I have seen them 3 times this year and actually see them alot in NW Minnesota
If you look up in the sky it is not uncommon to see them flying or circiling thousands of of feet high. They are so large they can be seen at this height.

Quote
"A fibrous layer deep in the breast muscles can hold the wings rigidly horizontal for gliding and soaring. Thus, they use thermals for soaring to heights of 3000 m (10,000 ft) or more, combined both with gliding and with flapping flight in V formation, to commute distances up to 150 km (93 mi) to feeding areas."