Pelicans in Kentucky in October
Yes, October is one of the best months to see pelicans in Kentucky. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 23 of the 123 sightings logged across the year (18.7%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Peak month for pelicans in Kentucky
18.7%
of yearly sightings
23
records in October
#2
busiest month of 12
123
verified records a year
September 4.1%, October 18.7%, November 19.5%. Busiest month is November at 19.5%.
123 verified observations of pelicans in Kentucky, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Kentucky
Peak month
November
24 records (19.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 8.1% |
| February | 14 | 11.4% |
| Marchpeak | 18 | 14.6% |
| April | 4 | 3.3% |
| May | 8 | 6.5% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 1 | 0.8% |
| August | 8 | 6.5% |
| September | 5 | 4.1% |
| Octoberpeak | 23 | 18.7% |
| Novemberpeak | 24 | 19.5% |
| December | 8 | 6.5% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 122 |
| Brown Pelican | 1 |
In Kentucky, October carries 18.7% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 10.4 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 11 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from September (4.1%) into October, and it heads toward November (19.5%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so October is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The pelicans most often recorded in Kentucky are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican122 records
- Brown Pelican1 records
Plan your pelican trip in Kentucky
Start with live tours near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Kentucky.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Kentucky
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Kentucky in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 23 of the 123 verified pelicans sightings logged in Kentucky across the year, which is 18.7% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see pelicans in Kentucky?+
October is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of November, October and March.
What month is best for pelicans in Kentucky?+
November is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through November, October and March, based on 123 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Kentucky?+
The most-recorded species in Kentucky are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Kentucky in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Kentucky