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Greater Flamingo, or
Phoenicopterus ruber
I took this photograph of the Greater Flamingo at Paarl Bird Sanctuary, near Cape Town South Africa. It is one of two types of flamingo seen in Southern Africa, the other being the Lesser flamingo. The two are mainly distinguished by beak colours, the Lesser Flamingo having a completely dark beak.
The long legs and long neck are the distinctive features of this species. Juveniles are a dull brown colour and only turn pink after it is almost fully grown.
Paarl Bird Sanctuary was established in 1994 at Paarl's water-treatment pans. Most of the Western Cape wetland bird species can be seen here. It offers good bird watching throughout the year, but especially in summer (from November to April) when migrant species pay a visit.
It just goes to show that you CAN find somewhere really close to home where there are abundant photography opportunities.
Please note that my pictures are not public domain, and are all copyright protected.
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