Are There Pelicans in New Hampshire?

Pelicans are specialized fishing birds that need large, open water bodies with abundant fish populations. New Hampshire's geography does not support them. The state's Atlantic coast is rocky and cold, with small coves and tidal estuaries where pelicans cannot feed efficiently. Inland, New Hampshire's lakes are relatively small and surrounded by forest. Pelicans require expansive wetlands, coastal bays, or large reservoirs where they can dive or surface-feed in flocks. The Atlantic coast pelicans (Brown Pelicans) breed and winter from the Gulf Coast through Florida and up the Atlantic side to the Carolinas in summer, but they do not push north to New Hampshire. The inland pelicans (American White Pelicans) are found across the upper Midwest, the Great Plains, and the interior West, thousands of miles away.

On extremely rare occasions, an American White Pelican might be blown off course during spring or fall migration. These birds breed in the northern Great Plains and winter on coastal Texas, Louisiana, or Mexico, so a scattered individual could theoretically reach New England by accident. This happens perhaps once every few years across all of New England, not specifically New Hampshire. If you hear of a pelican sighting in the state, it is almost always a vagrant that will not stay. Brown Pelicans have never established a presence north of the Carolinas and are not expected in New Hampshire under any natural circumstances.

New Hampshire's real waterbird community is rich and diverse, but completely different from pelicans. Great Blue Herons are the largest wading birds in the state and are common along lakes, ponds, and coastal marshes from late spring through fall. Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Green Herons are smaller herons and egrets that hunt in shallow water. American Bitterns and Least Bitterns are shy marsh birds that hide in reeds. Black-crowned Night Herons emerge at dusk to feed. Glossy Ibis are increasingly common in New Hampshire's wetlands. These birds fill ecological roles similar to pelicans but are suited to New Hampshire's climate and water systems. You can reliably see several of these species at coastal marshes, lake edges, and pond margins, especially from May through September.

Most of New Hampshire's wading birds arrive in spring (April to May) and depart in fall (September to October). Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are present from May through October. Snowy Egrets and Green Herons follow a similar pattern, peaking in summer. American Bitterns and Least Bitterns are harder to see but present during breeding season. Black-crowned Night Herons forage year-round in small numbers but are most active in summer. Some hardy individuals may winter over in mild years, especially along the Atlantic coast where water stays ice-free longer. Peak activity for almost all wading birds is June through August.

Visit coastal salt marshes in Portsmouth and other seacoast towns, or freshwater marshes and pond edges inland. Great Bay in Durham is an excellent spot for Great Blue Herons and egrets. Umbagog Lake on the northern border has diverse wading birds. Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee also host populations. Managed wetland preserves and wildlife areas often provide viewing platforms and trails. The best time to look is early morning or late afternoon when herons and egrets are most active. Bring binoculars and move slowly to avoid startling birds.

Yes, all wading birds in New Hampshire, including Great Blue Herons, egrets, bitterns, and night herons, are protected under state and federal law. It is illegal to harm, capture, or kill them. Some are also managed as migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You may observe and photograph them in their natural habitat. Do not approach nesting colonies, as disturbance can cause adults to abandon eggs or chicks.

New Hampshire hosts a wide range of wildlife beyond wading birds. Mammals include black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and beavers. Raptors like Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls are common. Songbirds are abundant in forests and gardens. Reptiles and amphibians include snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. The state's lakes and coastal areas are rich in fish and shellfish. To explore the full wildlife profile of New Hampshire, visit the New Hampshire fish and wildlife section for guides to all major species groups.