RI clinic cares for pelicans after Sandy

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Two unlikely visitors are recovering in Rhode Island after Hurricane Sandy struck more than a week ago.

A pair of brown pelicans may have thought they were on a non-stop flight to Florida, but Sandy's head winds proved just too strong.

"It's very, very rare, usually storms are the only thing that would bring these guys this far north," said Jennifer Brooks, Director of the Wildlife Clinic of RI.

Brooks tells us one of the pelicans was found by a DOT worker in Narragansett earlier this week, and the tracking band on its leg was immediately checked out.

"This bird is being reported as being deceased already, so I'm going to contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife and see if we can get that straightened out, because he's very much alive," she said.

As for the second bird, it landed on a fishing boat off the coast of Block Island. Those fishermen actually sell fish to Sea World, so they kept the pelican well fed before bringing it to the clinic on Thursday.

This is only the second time the clinic has hosted pelicans here in Rhode Island. Brooks says that even though their guests have been very well-mannered, they need to be transported home soon because they're susceptible to frostbite.

If you'd like to donate or report an animal in need of help, visit the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association's website.