Flamingo Golden Sunset
Greater Flamingo
What does one write about such a spectacular bird?
For most people our experience with Flamingos is totally through plastic ones found in peoples yards. Obviously that is hardly a good representation. Having now been very lucky to see one myself I would have to say the yard one's fall a bit short.
Flamingos are large impressive birds, about the size of a Great Blue Heron. I was expecting them to be similiar to herons, being tall, slender, graceful, and a little clumsy at times. But after watching this one I would call them far more formidable. Their moves are measured, precise, strong. Their necks are extremely long and they take each step and reach out for food with slow methodical motion. Their beaks are immense and strong. "Measured" is simply the best word I find. And of course they are stunning with beautiful bright orangy pink color much like the Spoonbills. The black on their wings is a beautiful accent which is normally hidden. One can't miss that bright color as it leaps out from across a pond.
The question that arises is what is it doing here in south Texas? Are they native?
Well the write ups on them do not agree on this question. The internet searches all repeat each other and say they are not found here and are therefor either escaped a zoo or are blown off course from hurricanes. This one has no tags so it isn't an escaped one. Could it be blown in? Well that could be but it came long before the hurricanes blew through. My bird book says they are known to sometimes just be here. Very rare but it happens often enough.
To be fair someone could easily step back and ask me the same question. What am I doing here in south Texas? For the Flamingo there is plenty of sun and food. Perhaps like this Flamingo and I can both say,
my being here is rare but it happens.
As I watch it from day to day I wonder about it's life. A single one here amoungst the Pelicans and Spoonbills. There is plenty of food to enjoy and the climate is nice. Perhaps it will fly more south as the weather chills mid winter on the Texas coast.
May we appreciate the beauty found in natue and appreciate where ever we find ourselves.
Today it's at a pond in south Texas coast where a beautiful Greater Flamingo and I meet.
As we watch the golden sunset with the other birds may we all be filled with Joy.
