Signs of spring: Pelicans return to South Saskatchewan River

The pelicans have returned to the South Saskatchewan River.

The return of the pelicans to their fishing grounds on the river typically heralds the arrival of spring in Saskatoon. Conservation organization group Meewasin holds an annual contest allowing residents to try and guess the exact date and time of the birds’ return.

In a statement Tuesday, Meewasin said it confirmed a number of pelican sightings over the past 24 hours.

“Saskatoon Nature Society has reported the official time of Splash Down, and the winners will be contacted soon,” Meewasin said. “Keep an eye on your inboxes!”

Over the past 25 years, the pelicans have arrived back at the river between April 2 and April 21. Last year, the birds touched down between the CPR Bridge and the weir on April 15 at 7:56 p.m.

The American white pelican represents a conservation success story as well as a harbinger of spring, as the birds were the first species to be removed from the threatened species list in 1987.