Something special to look out for in Flamingo Lagoon
Another week of beautiful sunshine. We should probably call this flamingo breeding weather, rather than a barbeque summer. I hope I haven't jinxed it now by saying that... The Flamingo Lagoon chicks are stars of the show at Slimbridge currently, and they are putting on a lovely display of creching right at the front of the enclosure offering great views for visitors.
What I thought I would draw folks' attention to is the current behaviour of the adult birds in this flock, as if you do go and visit the greater flamingos you can see every aspect of their breeding activity. Right from birds head-flagging at the start of their courtship display, to birds pairing off and mating, to birds incubating eggs and finally to those feeding and rearing their chicks. Check out the short clip below:
[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hDMhpxXYSA&list=UUp41rC1pWyYfO5RLXe6VUMg']
As an exhibit, Flamingo Lagoon is unique in allowing members of the public to get right into the heart of a flamingo breeding colony. And this is offering visitors a privileged view of "how to make a baby flamingo" that used to be the preserve of those that looked after and managed the birds. So keep willing the summer sunshine to last, and come and see all parts of the greater flamingo breeding spectacle for yourselves at Slimbridge.
Not to be outdone, and in other news, the Caribbean flamingos have built not one but two nest sites. Birds are currently incubating at the back of the enclosure, near the perimeter fence, and then there is a new "breakaway" group that have taken up residence in usual nesting spot in the middle of the enclosure. With loads of egg laying taking place (over 20 eggs thus far) fingers crossed for fluffy chicks arriving in the middle of the summer.
