(May 9, 2025) Once rare in the Great Lakes, the American White Pelican has become an increasingly common sight. Historically nesting only in the northwestern U.S. and Canada, these massive birds—with 9-foot wingspans—began nesting in Green Bay, Wisconsin in the 1990s. Since then, their numbers have grown, and their range has expanded throughout the region. Each spring and fall, pelicans migrate through the Great Lakes, drawing birders and nature lovers eager to witness their journey.

World Migratory Bird Day—celebrated each spring and fall—raises awareness of the importance of protecting migratory birds and the habitats they rely on. To mark this year’s celebration, we’re highlighting the work of Sinnissippi Audubon Society, which hosts an annual festival in Rockton, Illinois to honor the return of the American White Pelican.

American White Pelicans in Illinois: A Conservation Success

American White Pelicans now migrate through the state in strong numbers and can even be found year-round in some areas. Known to travel upwards of 500 miles to feed, it is not unusual that American White Pelicans would find themselves far from their historic homes. The Great Lakes are also home to thousands of miles of coastal wetlands, a prime habitat for American White Pelicans to nest and rest.

Unlike the diving Brown Pelican, American White Pelicans fish by skimming the surface of the water—sometimeseven working together to corral fish into shallower areas. Though their arrival in the Great Lakes remains a bit of a mystery, some speculate they descended from a massive colony of 30,000 birds abandoned in North Dakota. Regardless of their origin, their presence brings excitement to communities like Rockton, where they arenow a seasonal fixture along the Rock River.

Rockton Pelican Fest: A Celebration of Birds and Community

The presence of the American White Pelican has delighted birders in Rockton, Illinois where they are often seen along the Rock River, stopping to rest and feed during their long migratory journey. Their appearance inspired the creation of the Rockton Pelican Fest, now celebrating its fifth year. Last year on May 18, 2024, more than 500 people gathered in downtown Rockton to celebrate the return of the pelicans and foster a deeper connection with birds and nature.

The festival, co-led by Sinnissippi Audubon Society, Natural Land Institute, the Village of Rockton and JR Finally Art offers a variety of activities—from guided bird walks at Nygren Wetland Preserve to educational talks on pelican behavior, native plants, and bird-friendly gardening. Family-friendly programming included origami, face painting, and a bird scavenger hunt with a LEGO prize. A free shuttle made bird walks accessible for all attendees, many of whom were new to birding.

Member Spotlight: Jennifer Kuroda, President of Sinnissippi Audubon Society

Jennifer Kuroda, President of Sinnissippi Audubon Society and Audubon Council of Illinois, has been instrumental in the festival’s growth. She serves on the organizing committee and works with local partners to ensure the event continues to educate and inspire.

The Mayor of Rockton now issues a proclamation each year for World Migratory Bird Day, recognizing the importance of the American White Pelican and other migratory birds. Thanks to the dedicated partners and organizers of the Pelican Fest, each year, the event continues to grow in size and popularity, offering a wide variety of activities for all ages and bird watching experience levels.

Her leadership extends beyond the festival. Kuroda also coordinates Bird City Illinois, a program that supports municipalities in becoming bird-friendly communities through conservation, education, and habitat improvement. leads Bird City Illinois, a program of the Audubon Council of Illinois, in partnership with American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas. The goal of the Bird City Illinois program is to help guide and support municipalities in making their communities more bird-friendly through education, outreach, habitat conservation, native landscaping and more. Once municipalities meet certain criteria, they can become a certified Bird City. Rockton is already on the path toward certification thanks to efforts like Pelican Fest and its annual World Migratory Bird Day proclamation by the Mayor.

Why It Matters

The Rockton Pelican Fest exemplifies how local partnerships, and grassroots efforts can celebrate birds while building stronger, more connected communities cand their commitment to appreciating and protecting our natural world. Audubon Great Lakes and local Audubon chapters are working across the region to protect vital coastal wetlands—ensuring that species like the American White Pelican continue to thrive for generations to come.

Learn More

Attend the 2025 Rockton Pelican Fest on Saturday, May 17 from 10 am - 4 pm!

Visit the Bird City Illinois website to learn about how you can make your city a Bird City. website to learn about how you can make your city a Bird City.

Visit the Sinnissippi Audubon Society website to learn more about how you can get involved in chapter events, volunteer opportunities, or the Illinois Audubon Council. website to learn more about how you can get involved in chapter events, volunteer opportunities, or the Illinois Audubon Council.

Visit the Audubon Great Lakes website to learn about how we’re working with partners to conserve coastal wetlands that American White Pelicans and secretive marsh birds need and how you can get involved.

Audubon Great Lakes intern Sandra Coleman contributed to this story