Scientists have been boggled as the number of sick pelicans along the coast of California is on the increase.

Though there is nothing uncommon in finding brown pelicans along the Californian coast but finding them in people's backyards or parks is certainly strange. It is also unusual to find a number of these pelicans in a sick condition.

What is surprising the biologists is the fact that these birds were bruised or starving and found inland. Last week, two pelicans were found in a state of starvation and disorientation in San Jose. One was found at Searsville Dam at Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Preserve. The bird was cured and rescued. Many such instances have also been reported from Belmont, San Bruno, Burlingame, Oakland and San Francisco.

The birds belong to a endangered species which has endured attacks by DDT exposure, oil spills, fish hooks etc. But still the population of pelicans recovered in the recent years. The shock has come when the biologists were sure about the resurgence of another species doomed for extinction.    

"It is frightening,'' said Laurie Pyne, development director of International Bird Rescue Research Center in Fairfield. "We don't know what it is or how many are truly affected. We don't know the long-term effects on their populations.''

Experts are still trying to find out the cause behind the disastrous condition of the birds. Blood and tissue samples of the sick birds have been taken for asserting the cause of their death. Results of the tests are expected in two weeks time