Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus, kiharapelikaani) 21.6.2025 1st for Finland, Kökar, SW Finland скачать в хорошем качестве

Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus, kiharapelikaani) 21.6.2025 1st for Finland, Kökar, SW Finland

The first-ever Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus, kiharapelikaani) recorded in Finland! Spotted on 21 June 2025 in Kökar islands, Åland (SW Finland), in challenging conditions – open sea, NW winds over 10 m/s, and rain. We reached the island late in the evening aboard a large Princess Explorer cruise boat and saw the bird just before midnight at a distance of 650 meters. First spotted on Wednesday, maybe even on Tuesday, by local people, it took some time before we could gather more details on the exact time, location, and the bird’s possible continued presence – but it was worth the wait. Despite the low light – the video was shot after sunset – and the long distance, we managed to capture some record footage. The pelican was mostly resting but occasionally raised its head, showing off its massive bill and curly nape feathers ("kiharat"). Likely the same individual seen in central Sweden a week earlier – now some 450 km southeast. A truly unforgettable experience!