Flamingos and a Friend

Christmas Break Adventures

We took to the road again this time with purpose and our friend Alli.

Our first stop was the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau near the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Fleeing persecution in Palestine in the year 45, Mary of Jacob, Mary Salome and Mary Magdalene miraculously landed on the shores here with their servant Sara. Their arrival is believed to have heralded the beginning of the Christian faith throughout Gaul.) https://www.villes-sanctuaires.com/en/villes-sanctuaires/saintes-maries-mer

There are several flamingo species around the world, here in France we see the greater flamingo species. We observed these standing on two legs, we never saw any stand on one leg. A gathering of flamingos is called a flamboyance.

They appear to run on water as they take flight. Flying flamingos are a sight to see with their bodies sandwiched between their elongated necks and rodlike legs all streamlined being steered by their vast wingspan.

Some were observed to be running on an underwater treadmill. Our speculation as to why circled around massaging the muck of the lake to acquire eating delicacies. Flamingos sound like croaking frogs on a summer night. Mz added some of her own creative photo taking abilities below. It is fun watching her enjoy photography.