Put your nature knowledge to the test with the 30th annual Meewasin Pelican Watch contest.

Volunteer and Community Events Coordinator Katie Walls says all you have to do is head to meewasin.com/pelicanwatch/ and submit when you think the first pelican of the spring will land on the South Saskatchewan River.

“There is a contest form on that webpage. It’s one entry per person, and you can win some really cool prizes from local suppliers like Discover Saskatoon, Wild Birds Unlimited, Don’s Photos, and Back to Nature Wellness.”

If you’re looking for a hint, Walls says the earliest pelican was spotted on April 2nd in 2017, and the latest pelican was recorded on April 20.

Walls says the pelicans spent the winter down south in warmer climates like Mexico and Guatemala. Once they’re here, the birds will be nesting at Redberry lake, but they will make a daily 160-kilometre flight to the South Saskatchewan River to fish.

“Pelicans once we on the endangered species list, and they’ve been a beautiful site on the South Saskatchewan River since the late 1970s. For pelicans to bounce back from that endangered species list is quite phenomenal.”

Participants have until March 31st to enter their guesses.