Early on Monday morning, many curious people gathered along the shore of Storsjön to try to catch a glimpse of the Dalmatian pelican sitting out on the ice between Frösön and Annersia, according to official sources. Birdwatcher Christer Pålsson identified the bird as most likely the same individual that was sighted in the county in the summer of 2025. According to SVT Jämtlandsnytt, Christer Pålsson described the pelican as having returned to Jämtland after overwintering somewhere at more southern latitudes.
It cannot be determined whether it is a male or female, but it is most likely a young bird, according to Pålsson. According to SVT Jämtlandsnytt, Christer Pålsson described the sight as surreal because this is completely the wrong place for a Dalmatian pelican. He noted that it is not so unusual for young birds to wander off from their normal areas, and then it's as if they lose their compass completely and keep coming back.
Yes, it is probably the same bird. It probably liked Jämtland and has now found its way back.
The exact age or sex of the pelican remains unknown, as does where exactly it overwintered and how long it will stay in Jämtland this time.
It feels a bit surreal to see it sitting out on the ice, because this is completely the wrong place for a Dalmatian pelican.
It is not so unusual for young birds to wander off from their normal areas, and then it's as if they lose their compass completely and keep coming back.