In the very early part of the century, until when I'm not sure, Anegada BVI was home to zillions of flamingos that thrived in the salt ponds that formed much of the central areas. When I lived here in the 70's and 80's there were just photos; the birds possibly decimated by hunting for feathers and even meat, perhaps. Many years ago an effort was made, with help I am told from Richard Branson, to reestablish a colony on the island. The effort has been a great success and now up to 300 birds live on the island.
We spent the best part of a day searching for a photo op and it wasn't until a local, late in the day, told us of a place to go; 3 minutes from where our dingy was docked. He also said, if we were very lucky, we might see a " flypast".
True to his word, they were there, but only in the far distance. A mass of pink on a pond edge in the far distance. We took the photos we could but it was a bit disappointing. Then shortly, half the flock took off and flew in our direction. Panic as we tried to organize our cameras. The following are from my compact and not too unhappy with them. Ten minutes after the first flyby, they did it again: extraordinary luck I'm told.
Birdies in the far distance - and at serious zoom for my camera
I feel privileged to see such a sight, having never seen flamingos, and just so grateful that people can put in the energy required to reestablish such a colony
Cheers jwt
