More than 20 pelicans have been injured during this week's storms.
The California brown pelicans were brought to the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro. More than 20 pelicans have been brought to the center since Tuesday.
Cold and contaminants are to blame, according to ay Holcomb, director of the center. He said the cold weather combined with poor ocean water quality due to the oil, grease and other contaminants being carried by storm runoff are affecting the birds.
"Seabird feathers provide a nature barrier to water, as well as insulation from the cold," Holcomb said. "These pelicans are getting cold and wet because the water quality is so poor right now and these added contaminants are preventing the feathers from doing their job.
"As well as coping with the storms, many of the pelicans we have received have seal bite injuries, a result of feeding frenzies due to commercial and public fishing. These injuries make it even more difficult for the birds to cope with the severe weather conditions out there this week."
The birds will remain at the facility for about one week. They will be fed, kept warm and washed before they are released.
Anyone who comes across sick or injured seabirds was asked to call the center at 310-514-2573.
