Spring is sprung! And there is no better indication than the arrival of thousands of pairs of European Flamingos to the lake at Fuente De Piedra in Andalucia. These beautiful birds are here to find a mate and hopefully become proud parents.
They are presently engaged in the flamingo equivalent of “Speed Dating” when they can be seen constantly circulating on the lookout for a potential partner. Their graceful parading, with complex twirls and darting off in different directions, has even led a minority of people to suppose that the Andalucian gypsies may have called their dance Flamenco after these intricate movements.
The European or Greater Flamingo (Proper name Phoenicopterus Ruber) is not as pink as people often expect. The photo, taken in mid-March, shows many birds milling around, perhaps the counterpart of “Dancing round their handbags” while 5 are landing to join the group. The colour differences are clearly visible. While standing the birds are a generally pinkish off-white with pink beaks and legs. However, the flying birds are displaying their remarkably pink, almost crimson, wing colours, edged by contrasting black flight feathers.
We are lucky to have such an incredible display of wildlife only 5 minutes off the Malaga-Seville motorway. Only 3 breeding sites exist in Europe, our own, The Camargue in France and the intriguingly named Kulu Golu in , our own, The Camargue in France and the intriguingly named Kulu Golu in Turkey. The total European population is estimated at up to 35’000 breeding pairs, with almost 50% of these living in . The total European population is estimated at up to 35’000 breeding pairs, with almost 50% of these living in Turkey, Fuente De Piedra can boast the majority of the other half. The lake is , Fuente De Piedra can boast the majority of the other half.
The lake is Spains largest and was called Fons Divinus or Divine Spring during the Roman occupation of the largest of the Peninsula. This was because, as in Bath in in England, they believed its waters to have medicinal qualities. Depending on the warmth of the day and the brackish smell coming from the lake I would have to take their word for it!
Come and see the flamingos with Davy, he can get you to the best spots and knows where to find the best Apres-Flamingo refreshments.
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