Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

[Neon Rosell II]

Got these photos from my sister Grace Ambal who is working for Conservation International.

These were forwarded to her by DENR Regional Office 8,
Tacloban, Leyte it was taken during the yearly Asian Water Bird Census in
one of the wetland sites monitored annually. It was sighted in Lake
Bito located in MacArthur, Leyte and photographed by Arnulito C. Viojan, who is
also the AWC Regional Coordinator and Team Leaser of the Regional Eagle Watch Team. He was accompanied by Mars Macanda and Denden Donceras.

Anybody care to go to Leyte? ;D This is a new country record.

According to Wikipedia This is the largest of the pelicans, averaging 170 cm (67 inches) in length, 11-15 kg (24-33 lbs) in weight and just over 3 m (10 ft) in wingspan. On average, it's the world's heaviest flying species, although large male bustards and swans can exceed the pelican in maximum weight. It differs from the White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and greyish-white (rather than pure white plumage). It has a red lower mandible in the breeding season. Immatures are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The latter also has darker flight feathers.

This pelican migrates short distances. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the flock moving in synchrony. The neck is then held back like a heron's.

[Romy Ocon]

Omigosh.... that's a HUUUUUUUUGE bird. I think if I stack enough TCs on the Sigmonster and stand at the peak of Mt. Halcon, I might have a chance to get a shot.

[Lydia Robledo]

Helly Asoy, whose nature conservation center has been designated by WBCP as its Tacloban chapter, has been inviting birders to check the bird population in her place. I have travelled with her last year to Palompon, Leyte, where there are migratory birds. If the weather is already better in her area, she'd welcome you guys for sure. She's here now until Saturday, so anyone who wants to go, pls pm me. telyd

[Ding Carpio]

Jan 20, 2009 11:49:30 GMT Romy Ocon said:

Omigosh.... that's a HUUUUUUUUGE bird. I think if I stack enough TCs on the Sigmonster and stand at the peak of Mt. Halcon, I might have a chance to get a shot.

Yes. Gigantic. I hope no fisherman/farmer would ever think it would feed a family for a week.

[Felix Servita]

Wow! Looks like the pelican is approachable.

[Ralf Nabong]

Jan 20, 2009 11:49:30 GMT Romy Ocon said:

Omigosh.... that's a HUUUUUUUUGE bird. I think if I stack enough TCs on the Sigmonster and stand at the peak of Mt. Halcon, I might have a chance to get a shot.

A great opportunity for us to use our wide and mid-zoom lenses once again!

Thanks Neon for the heads up.

[Mark Itol]

That's really huge! And it doesn't seem to mind people getting near.

[lenymanalo]

We got unconfirmed report that this huge bird, actually several, have been sighted in the Agusan Marsh. A man of a local mayor who works in the NSDB came to us and inquired about projects for conservation. Pag me chance punta tayo dun.

[Ivan Sarenas]

Godo Jakosalem is on his way to Leyte to try getting this pelican as well! Arny Viojan is probably the only DENR official who is seriously into birds. He once told me that in Palompon, Leyte, one could see hundreds of Ph Ducks floating on the sea. On the island, he netted a Blue-capped Kingfisher.

Was in Agusan Marsh a few days ago and lore has it that some kind of Pelican still appears from time to time. The Park Superintendent told me that there were reports of Australian Pelican but Arne Jensen really doubts it. A senior guide told me about the "patong marino" but remembers last seeing them when he was a teenager (he's 65).