Flock of 55 Pink Pelicans Arrives in Odesa Region, Marking First Sighting of 2026.

Pink Pelicans Spotted in Odesa Region National Park

According to Novyny.live: A flock of 55 pink pelicans, the first recorded in 2026, has been sighted in southern Odesa region. The birds landed in the floodplain of the Kogilnik River near the Sasyk Lagoon. Ornithologist Ivan Rusev reported that the flock was initially registered by Iryna Vykhrystiuk, noting the pelicans were observed flying deep over the village of Trapivka toward the Sasyk Lagoon. These sightings are part of important annual migratory patterns monitored by conservationists in Ukraine's coastal wetlands.

During a survey of the upper Sasyk Lagoon, Rusev noted the pelicans were resting on a small island near a severely polluted section of the otherwise scenic floodplain. An adult pink pelican can grow up to 1.8 meters long with a wingspan exceeding three meters, and these large birds can weigh between 10 and 12 kilograms.

Monitoring Pelicans and Other Bird Species

Beyond the pink pelicans, 12 blue crabs have also been recorded in the 'Tuzly Lagoons' National Nature Park. Notably, the first flamingos of the year appeared in the park on February 27 and 28, 2026. These events signal an increase in migratory bird activity in the region, a positive indicator for the Tuzly Lagoons ecosystem.

Overall, observations of pink pelicans and other species suggest shifts in migration routes within southern Ukraine. This may be linked to seasonal climatic variations and the area's ecological conditions. The heightened bird migration serves as a crucial barometer for ecosystem health, which could influence future conservation strategies within the 'Tuzly Lagoons' National Nature Park.