Dalmatian Pelican is a rare vagrant in Hungary with the last record dates back to 1998. Since 1857 there were only 10 accepted records to date. The last twitchable was in 1997 so this Spring invasion was a very welcome event for the young birder generation!

Following the strong southerly winds of March 27th afternoon the first bird appeared at Csaj Lake on the 28th of March. The following day another breeding plumaged bird was found on the Hortobágy. Both birds were last seen on the 31st March. Then one was reported at Rétszilas Fishponds on the 1st of April and a few hours later another was seen in flight at Marcali near Lake Balaton. The bird at Rétszilas was seen again on the 3rd of April and then on the 4th of April one but probably two were seen in flight over the Gerecse Hills as they were flying west.

It is not clear yet how many birds were involved in all the sightings (at least two). The Hungarian RC will take care to sort out these records. One thing is for sure: it was a superb week for this very rare bird in Hungary. Especially as they were all in wonderful breeding plumage!

Photo: Csaj Lake, 29th March, 2009 by János Oláh