Pelican suspected of flying under the influence

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The driver was sober. The bird that crashed through the windshield of his car might have been flying under the influence.

A California brown pelican probably was intoxicated by a naturally occurring toxin found in algae blooms when she hit the car Thursday on the Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County, wildlife officials said.

The driver was startled, but not hurt. The pelican needed surgery for a broken foot, and also had a gash on its pouch.

Though toxicology tests take several weeks, the odd bird behavior was likely the result of poisoning from domoic acid, which has been found in the ocean in the area. Pelicans have excellent eyesight and are unlikely to fly into cars when sober.

The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach has received 16 calls of strange bird behavior in the past week, and was holding three other birds found disoriented and wandering through yards and streets.