© AFPAn Australian white pelican in the coastal waters of General Santos City on Sept 12, 2016.
An Australian pelican that strayed hundreds of kilometres from its nearest known habitat to end up in the Philippines is the first such bird to be seen in the Asian archipelago, wildlife enthusiasts said.
The waterbird flew into a fish breeding farm on the outskirts of the southern port of General Santos in early September, resident Levy Discamento told AFP.
"We saw a small flock of swallows chasing this big strange bird. There was an air battle until the big bird gave up and ran towards the mangroves," Mr Discamento said, recounting his first sighting.
The mostly white pelican - a species which boasts the longest bill of any bird, measuring up to 47cm - has since attracted a flood of Filipino and foreign birdwatchers.
They rent dugouts to watch and photograph the bird while it gorges on fish in nearby Sarangani Bay, Mr Discamento said.
"We feel (it) is a blessing, bringing good vibes to people," Mr Jimmy Poja, a local fisherman, told AFP.
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