This weekend I woke up at the crack of dawn and went to Thane Creek to go on a short, flamingo safari. I arrived early (well, early by Indian standards as I arrived at the requested time, 7am for the 7:30 ride) so I walked around and took these photos.
When it was time, we walked down the floating dock and almost broke some bones as the plastic squares were incredibly slippery, but we all made it without incident.
Before I head off into flamingo photo heaven, I will share some information I learned. The Black-Winged Stilts are the first migratory birds to arrive in the area, then everyone else follows them!
Mangrove trees have two sets of roots: one under the ground and one above.
I was beyond thrilled to finally get a photo of the bright blue Kingfisher, although the actual blue is much more vibrant that the photo shows.
Kites were kind enough to pose for me. They are one of the few predators of flamingoes here, whose only defense is living in large groups.
The Black-Headed Ibis (also wintering here) were hard to photograph as they were in eating on the shore and were blocked by the Mangrove roots, but I was able to get one decent shot.
And now onto the flamingoes!
300,000 to 500,000 flamingos (Lesser Flamingos and Greater Flamingos) migrate here from the north for winter feeding. They arrive white and leave pink, so it is good I came in March to see them, as a month ago they were all still white.
Thane Creek, the longest creek in Asia, became a preserve in 2019 and the cleaned water from the sewage treatment plant provides the algae and home for the shrimp that flamingos love to eat. A win-win for mother nature.
Greater Flamingoes are taller and have a pink beak with a black spot. Lesser Flamingoes have a mostly black beak with some pink. Their eyes are a distinct yellow but, in my photos, appear pink.
Flamingoes are the largest bird species after the ostrich. While these flamingoes breed in their native place, they find their mate before returning. Flamingoes are chatty birds, with their honky-beeping sound filling the peaceful air. Their family life is fascinating. During the day, baby birds are all together with one or two adults watching over them. Parents come in the evening for family time, and they recognize their child by sound.
To fly, these majestic birds need a running start and while doing so expose the bright black and pink feathers under their wings. Of all I saw, this sight fascinated me the most.
Little Stint birds sharing the buffet with the flamingos:
It was hard to believe I was in the middle of loud and crowded Mumbai it was so peaceful here, although through the mist I could see the tall buildings.
And now my favorite flamingo photos!
The ride itself lasted only an hour but felt like three and was worth it. Since Ubers couldn’t find the remote location, I started the 3km walk back to the entrance when a kind couple picked me up and dropped me off at the turnoff from the highway – a tiny dirt road with a hidden painting of a flamingo. While waiting for my ride, I saw 4 cars pass the turn off, quickly stop and back up!
