01/12/2023
WALK ON BY
A flamingo strides purposefully along the misty pink shore of the lagoon.
Emerging from the nearby reeds, a solitary flamingo made its entrance. With determined strides, it aimed for a sandbar across the way. The water's encroachment made the journey somewhat precarious, but the flamingo moved past me cautiously, one vigilant eye keeping watch on my presence, all the while maintaining its professorial gait.
Further ahead, the vivid assembly of fellow feathered companions beckoned to him, gathering in unity. Some had already dipped their heads beneath the surface, rhythmically swaying side to side as they navigated the sheltered side of the sandbar in pursuit of their nourishment - shrimp, algae, and other morsels that constituted their diet.
He acknowledged their presence and seamlessly blended into their feeding choreography, moving in tandem with the group as they ventured farther away, eventually vanishing into the misty haze.
Flamingos are renowned for their remarkable social nature. These vibrant birds, adorned in stunning hues of pink, prefer the company of their flock in their natural habitat. Especially during the breeding season, their gatherings can reach astonishing numbers, often amassing into the hundreds and sometimes even thousands.
Amid these bustling assemblies, you can witness groups of flamingos parading in unison, engaging in synchronised displays such as the mesmerising "head flag" routine. During this performance, they extend their necks and bills towards the heavens, gracefully swaying their heads from side to side in perfect harmony. When in smaller groups, like this individual, flamingoes tend to have close-knit friendships, preferring the company of some long-established feathered friends over others. Just like us and how we go about choosing and interacting with our circle of companions in life, I thought.
FEATHERED FRIENDS COLLECTION
Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.
Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe; their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.
