Vancouverites wowed by rare sighting of 'prehistoric' bird over False Creek
A “marvellous” brown pelican gave Vancouver ornithophiles a memorable experience as they strolled along the seawall in False Creek.
Photographer and artist Jake shared images online of the pelican soaring near Science World and Rogers Arena late last week.
According to Jake, the pelecanus occidentalis sighting caused an excited commotion among those out for a walk in the sunshine.
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“I heard that there were pelicans in the False Creek area from a friend, who had spotted them earlier in the day,” Jake told Daily Hive. “Thanks to their heads up, I kept an eye out after work and spotted the bird near Science World.
The rare sighting of the brown pelican drew a crowd made up of folks with cameras and binoculars, passersby who stopped on their run or walk, and parents with their kids.
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“It was surreal to see such a large, prehistoric-looking bird soaring past residential buildings, BC Place, the Skytrain, and McDonalds,” shared Jake. “A nice person I talked to set up a spotting scope and was inviting people to look through it. Everyone was super friendly.
“We were all chatting about the bird and getting to know each other, pausing to look or take photos when it flew by. There was palpable wonder and excitement in the air. I love how nature can bring out that childlike joy in people.”
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Commenters online praised Jake’s photography and shared their joy in the pelican sighting over False Creek.
“Fantastic landing in the water shot,” said one commenter.
“Nature is dope,” added another. “We are lucky to have what we have here.”
Jake encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for wildlife in Vancouver, even in places that they might not expect.
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“Even just around Habitat Island and Hinge Park, which is a pretty high traffic area, I’ve taken photos and videos of beavers, great blue herons, crows, red-winged blackbirds, wigeons, raccoons, bald eagles, hawks, bushtits, river otters, and more,” he said.
“We’re part of a beautifully biodiverse ecosystem. I hope that by sharing some of these photos, I can pass forward the curiosity and wonder that taking them inspires in me.”