Jan 27, 2007

A rare bird indeed...

I was initially concerned that I wouldn't find a flamingo to photograph, but today, I spied a fine specimen of the elusive Giant Snow Flamingo (Phoenicopterus hugeplantericus).
Unlike its southern cousins, the Giant Snow Flamingo's usually has its legs tucked underneath its body. Why? Well, in addition to the change in pigmentation, there has been another significant environmental adaptation; its lower limbs are covered in a dense fur to avoid frostbite. And the Giant Snow Flamingo is a bit sensitive about having hairy legs.

7 comments:

devilishsouthernbelle.net said...

Heh, I'm a bit sensitive about having hairy legs, too. Yet I let myself go every winter.

abf said...

It reminds me a giant paper mache pig (seriously, the size of a small car) that I came across in someone's backyard when I lived in London. I need to find that picture . . .

Bezzie said...

Ha ha! I love it! Oh I yearn for the day when I have my own yard to put crap like this in it!

Carol said...

Of course it has hairy legs! It lives in snow. that means it has to adapt and keep warm! Very creative!

Stacie said...

hee hee hee hee! Me and the kids have been driving around our frozen surroundings looking for a flamingo too! Saw a coupla swans, but none that big! Nice birdie...

Vanessa/NessieNoodle said...

Tell me that isn't in your yard?
holly S that is a big piece of "Garden Jewelery" (I can't spell jewelery right now sorry..)

sgeddes said...

Holy crap! I want to know what that is in their yard - It isn't in your yard is it?