Visitors to the San Diego coastline have been treated to an ongoing show starring the brown pelican. The usual sight of two or so flocks of pelicans soaring over places like Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma has recently grown to two or so dozen seabirds at one time. Experts in this field appear to have mixed opinions for the reasons behind the large numbers of pelicans that have been appearing for several months. “There seems to be no real scientific explanation for this phenomenon,” said Andrew Hughan, public information officer for the California Department of Fish and Game in Sacramento. “At this time, there is no data to support the increased population of brown pelicans in the San Diego region.” Climate changes, the weather and water temperatures are affecting a vast variety of species, including pelicans. Updrafts — created by the wind reflecting off ocean cliffs — provide the ideal conditions for this seabird to glide effortlessly over the water. The California brown pelican can be found from northern Mexico up to the Oregon border. At one time, it was considered an endangered species because of its declining population. In 2009, the pelican was removed from the endangered list after its numbers recovered. It was discovered that use of pesticides like DDT was taking its toll on the pelican population, as well as several other seabirds feeding off of the ocean coast. Farmers in places like Imperial Valley were using pesticides that would eventually filter into the Pacific Ocean’s food chain. The result was that pelican egg shells became thinner and were being crushed by the weight of the large birds. Conservation efforts eventually eliminated the pollutants, and the pelican population slowly grew. Past oil spills also added to the demise of seabirds. The environmental movement was energized by the publicity from the Santa Barbara Union Oil spill in 1969. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was the first legislation to protect seabirds. The Endangered Species Act of 1966 permitted individual states to adopt regulations that would give greater protection to migratory birds. Spokespersons from agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department said they are aware of the situation with the brown pelican near San Diego. Expert opinions about the re-emergence of the bird’s numbers varies. Most experts agree that pelicans are just simply following the food supply. Some say a heavy concentration of pelicans at local beaches makes it appear that their numbers are rapidly increasing. “Just a one-degree difference in the water temperature makes a big impact on all life in the ocean,” Hughan said. “It’s just good that the pelicans are doing well.”