Pelican chicks take first plunge in St James’s Park lake

The four new pelican chicks in St. James’s Park mark a momentous moment in their development as they leave their nests and take to the water for the first time.

The chicks which hatched mid-May are the first ever to be born in the park’s history.

They have spent recent weeks on a secluded island, safely developing under the watchful eye of their parents. But after building strength and confidence, they have started to follow the adult pelicans to the lake for their first short swims.

Visitors can now spot them on the water, but are asked to keep their distance, keep dogs on leads around the lake, and avoid disturbing the birds while they continue to develop.

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.

“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.”

Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager, 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 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.

“We're feeding them as much fish as they want and keeping a watchful eye on them, and we can’t wait to see where their adventures take them."

The chicks will be named in due course when they are more mature and can be sexed.