Second Lifer For 2018

American Flamingo - Phoenicopterus ruber

After an adventurous journey on February 14^th to see my first wild Flamingo, an American Flamingo affectionately known as “Pinkie“, that took up residence in a flooded cow pasture at Quebradillas, Camuy, Puerto Rico, imagine my surprise on returning home and seeing my first local one just a few days later.

I first saw the bird while making a casual visit to the Swamp at Chancery Lane, Christ Church on February 24^th.  This Important Birding Area (IBA) is not a stranger to attracting migrants or vagrants but like most arrears on the island, was having a lean 2017-18 winter thus the reason for my casual visit. It now holds the second record of a wild flamingo on the island.  The first, a juvenile American - Phoenicopterus ruber, was recorded on May 22^nd, 2004 (Birds of Barbados P.A Buckley, E. B. Massiah et al).  This bird is also a juvenile P. ruber - pale plumage mostly, some pink in the neck, with brownish uppers. The Flamingo looks health, it is feeding, preening and snoozing appearing comfortable with its surroundings.

Let hope he hangs around for a bit like the Spoonbill. Until next post enjoy your birding