They may not be the pinkest of Flamingoes but their greek name – Phoenicopterus – is accurate in calling them scarlet-winged. Just look at the adult in flight.
As their common name suggests they are the largest and most widespread of all the Flamingoes. They are also the ones you see here in the Algarve, quite a common bird. I love watching them which is probably why it is only two months since I last wrote about the Greater Flamingo. The photograph above I captured a few days ago, and the one to the right was on Epiphany.
It was though a few days earlier when I was really smiling with delight. There was a small group in one of the salt pans, and whilst Robert was observing the waders I sat down (behind a bush of course) to watch the flamingoes. A few moments later two of them – a juvenile and an immature adult – decided to have a minor skirmish. Squabbles are not uncommon.
More Flamingo posts will be appearing over the forthcoming months as this week I received a wonderful belated Christmas present from my husband – the Poyser book on The Greater Flamingo. It’s enthralling.
Stunning photos of Flamingoes!
The ones where they are staring at each other are especially sweet.
Thank you – they are just so wonderful to watch.
Wonderful photos and yes, more flamingos please!
Thank you 😊 are you here in Olhão yet?
No,we’re in the Azores! A surprise trip!
Ooh how wonderful 😊
Ah-ha! Now I have a proper name for them! 🙂 I love seeing the underside of their wings. Your photos remind me of those Japanese storks that do the mating dance 🙂
Can you pronounce it though?! Not sure I can!!
You caught me out! 🙁 🙁
Hee hee – perhaps we should both try greek and Latin next!
They look like they are dancing! Wonderful photos!
Hadn’t thought of that. You are right 😊
Beautifully captured Becky.
Thank you 😊 was so fortunate being there at the right time.