Despite the forecast, if you’re using pelicans as an indicator, spring is officially here! 

Meewasin says this year, the first pelican touched down at the weir at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10th. 

This was the 30th annual Meewasin Pelican Watch contest. The closest guesser will received prize packs from Discover Saskatoon, Wild Birds Unlimited, Don’s Photos, and Back to Nature Wellness. 

In years past, the earliest pelican was spotted in Saskatoon on April 2nd in 2017, and the latest pelican was recorded on April 20. 

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.