The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) sponsors the annual Pelican Watch Contest with volunteers watching for the initial arrival in the so-called “Splash Down Zone” between the CPR Bridge and the Weir.

The first official sighting occurred at 7:56pm on Saturday, April 15th. The pelican arrival is later than normal based on the past 27 years when the first pelican was sighted anywhere between April 2nd and April 21st.

The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North American weighing anywhere from seven to ten kilograms with a wingspan of up to three metres.

The pelicans seen at the Weir likely flew from Redberry Lake, the site of their nearest nesting colony, about 160 kilometres away.

Pelican Watch Contest winner will be contacted and announced soon.