New species unlocked

One of the goals of my recent vacations was to spot some new bird species, and hopefully being able to capture them on camera as well; and although I didn't snapped not even near the amount of photos I wanted... goal accomplished!

Especially since I was able to see the bird I wanted to see the most!

^{Dalmatian pelican - Pelecanus crispus}

I had never seen pelicans in Europe before, and learned that in the country I was visiting there was a large population of these beauties: the dalmation pelicans are even the largest pelicans of all pelican species!

So after leaving Tirana, my first stop was Divjake-Karavasta national park, a park near Albania's coastline, where a large population of pelicans can be found. I didn't had that much time to visit the park, but the mere chance of seeing one pelican was worth the visit.

There were splendid views to the lagoons from a huge observation tower in the park, although at the first glance there were no birds to be seen.

Not that much later, though...

My first dalmatian pelican!!!

No large groups, but scattered individuals flew by to the lagoon; of course, by Murphy's law, this was the only unblurred photo from a pelican in flight.

I didn't see as much birds as as I would have liked, but was already glad to be able to see them flying by. And yet, as I passed again near the visitor's center...

WTH???

A pelican calmly preening its feathers!!!

There didn't seemed to be any kind of contention mechanism in place, so I assumed this is likely a bird that can't fly and is kind of the park's mascot, being so close to the center and seemingly at ease. Although these observations "don't count", it was great to see a pelican so close.

It's amazing how huge they are!

I hope to return one day and explore these national parks properly; at this time of the year, it was too hot, and too crowded. And will keep my hopes up on seeing a huge band of pelicans flying by!

Besides, it felt great birdwatching again, and being able to get more posting material for our #featheredfriends community!

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