What are the Andeans up to?!
I refuse to get excited by the behaviours that are on-going in the Andean Pen. Which is already a lie as I have ditched staring an Excel spread sheet and some horrendous statistics to write this diary post instead...
The Andean flamingos are building, building, building as I speak (type). This is the first time that I have seen this happen at WWT Slimbridge since I started my PhD. Of course it is no guarantee of chicks or indeed even an egg. But it is still fascinating to watch. To reiterate the point that I have made many times before about these most special of flamingo flocks held by WWT, unless you come to Slimbridge to see them, you'll have to go to Bolivia or Chile or Peru to see more Andean flamingos than you can see here.
So this means when these birds do do something super cool and exciting, it is really worth our attention. Flamingo avic Phil, and all-round nest mound builder extraordinaire, has provided the birds with lovely damp sand and the bases of mounds for them to add to and make their own. This has sparked lots of squabbling and posturing over potential nesting sites as pairs bicker for position to grab the best spot.
It's beneficial for flamingos to scrap over their nesting area. It makes them feel possessive and give them ownership of a nest mound.
Last week the Andeans were in full display, and right up at the front of their enclosure so you could get really a feel for what it is like in the heart of a displaying flock. On Tuesday of this week the marching has been turned into nest building and it seems to have gone from there. Who knows how long this will carry on for, but let's keep fingers crossed.
Chaaaaarge! That's a lot of marching.
The first interesting thing about watching the Andeans build their nests is just how big the mud pellets are they that roll together. The nest building seen in the lesser flamingo is a very dainty affair, and even greater and Caribbean flamingos take relatively small pieces of sand, dirt or mud to gradually build up their nests. Not these Andean flamingo! Great whopping loads of sand are being shifted around. You can see where the new building is happening as these nest mounds are much darker, with the fresh sand being piled up on top. A real construction site!
The other interesting point is the change in the birds' overall activity. Normally very mellow, there's a whole new edge to their behaviour. More shouting, more shoving, pushing and barging, and less patience (shall we say?) when other birds get in the way. The Andeans coloured up a beautiful deep pink this year, which seemed much more vivid that past years. Maybe they are trying to put on a good show for WWT's 70th birthday? After all, some of these birds are Sir Peter Scott's originals and are an important part of WWT's heritage.
Birds to look out for who are building including the usual culprits that are often together (JAY and JAU, JBH and JBS) as well as JAF, JBU, JAB, JAC and JAE. I'll keep you posted on any future developments. In the mean time, a few video clips below of what has been keeping me enthralled. Happy flamingo watching!
Above: nest prospecting behaviour. A pair of birds looks to see the good or bad points of a nest mound. And whether or not they should push off the bird already there!
Above: the start of nest building. Male bird JAA starts to scrape the ground and pull pieces of mud and sand into a pile.
Above. A hive of activity across the colony. And so close to the public too! A really nice insight into how flamingos start to prepare and construct a nesting area.
And displaying rosybill too! A little snapshot of South American romance for you to enjoy.
Above: Long-term couple JBH and JBS work on their nest mound together. You can clearly see how much sand the birds can shift when they get going.
And what is Mr James doing when all of this is going on? Having a conference with some mallards by the look of it!
