Spring might have sprung?
Even though it is nearly summer, spring has definitely been in the air of late and the birds are relishing the warmth and sunshine that we are all enjoying too. There has been a sudden burst of activity in the Caribbean and Andean flamingos involving nest building (the former) and group marching (the latter).
Caribbean flamingos make a large mud nest mound the same as all other species of flamingo. The birds are given a helping hand by the aviculturists, who make the initial mound for them, but like to modify the sides and edges to their own desires with wet mud that is scooped up in the flamingo's beak. Birds will quarrel and argue noisily over who gets the "best" nest site (normally one in the middle of the island) and will make quite a clamour when several birds all start shouting at once.
The Andean flamingos have been especially spurred on by the good weather and have spent a considerable amount of time marching up and down, and around their enclosure. This group marching display can be a common in other species but is not seen that frequently in this species in captivity. Hence the WWT Slimbridge birds are extra special! If you're around the South American Pen in the late(r) afternoon, be sure to watch out for this spectacular show.
