Flamingo Lagoon chicks arrive!
Well having taken a break from this whole making babies thing in 2013, the greater flamingo flock in their new exhibit have got into breeding in a big way in 2014. A very big way. I won't disclose the actual number of eggs laid but it's a really impressive number. They have really settled in well and are showing their usual knack of being exceptionally good parents, jabbing and pecking at Mark, Phil and co. as they go out to the nest island to check on eggs and chicks.
So the first chick began hatching at the end of last week and I was lucky enough to be in one of my observation periods when they started to emerge. Flamingo chicks are undeniably one of nature's most adorable babies. All grey fluffy down (that feels like velvet), pink squidgy legs that are all chunky and clean, small demure beaks that have yet to gain their characteristic curve and plaintive squeaky voices that seem to call out "Eric, Eric, Eric!".
With such a long breeding season this year, hopefully many chicks will be hatching over the next few weeks to create the amazing sight of a flamingo crèche, where all of the little grey youngsters group together to be babysat by one or two adults. Exciting times, folks. Exciting times.
