3:55 p.m. - The first American white pelican chicks have hatched on two of the nesting sites at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

A U.S. Geological Survey observer noted the young pelicans on Thursday, Ken Torkelson, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman, said Monday.

The observer had no estimate on the number of young pelicans.

"He was being real careful, and he didn't want to get too close," explained Torkelson. "If he saw one or two young, that was good enough."

The chicks were observed on the north island and the middle island.

"The south island is about a week behind," Torkelson said, "maybe this week."

The observer also reported cormorants and gulls in the area, and their presence could endanger pelican eggs and young.

"Gulls, especially, are known to take out pelican eggs or young, if they are left alone for long," Torkelson said.

The researcher again did the observations from a paddle-powered canoe to minimize the potential of motor-noise disturbing the nesting pelicans.

Last spring, the entire Chase Lake pelican colony -- an estimated 30,000 big white birds -- abandoned their nests, leaving chicks and unhatched eggs behind. Scientists continue to puzzle through possible reasons for the mass pullout.

The observer had no estimate of total pelican numbers nesting at Chase Lake. Two week ago, an estimated 10,000 adult pelicans had arrived on their longtime nesting grounds.

Researchers are planning to conduct an aerial census later this week or next week.

"My guess is the census will be down somewhat," Torkelson said. "It's a disappointment if it's down but not a disaster."

(Reach reporter Richard Hinton at 250-8256 or outdoors@bismarcktribune.net.)