Del Norte and Humboldt counties: "Brown Pelicans occurred in unusually large numbers in northern California during November and December 1997. Over 2,000 pelicans were counted at roost sites in Del Norte and Humboldt County during late November. Less than 20 were counted in this same region during a similar survey in November 1987. The last high count of pelicans in Del Norte County was 255 birds on Castle Rock NWR on 21 December 1997. Only small numbers of stragglers have been seen in the region during January and February. Of interest now are the relatively large numbers of Heermann's Gulls in the region. Groups of up to 30 birds have been seen scavenging in parking lots near the Crescent City Harbor. Heermann's gulls are also being reported in Oregon." --Deborah Jaques <ccr@northcoast.com>