From the Caribbean to the Cotswold hills (From Cotswold Journal)
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From the Caribbean to the Cotswold hills
9:40am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Cotswolds By Freya Leng
Simon Blackwell, director at Birdland, with some of the new Caribbean flamingos which have arrived from Colchester Zoo.
PENGUINS might be king of the roost but a new group of Caribbean flamingos are set to ruffle some feathers in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Enjoying a change of scene from their usual home at Colchester Zoo, the group of six flamingos have moved into the village’s Birdland, and have already caused quite a stir. Since they arrived last month, the birds have settled in with the flock and are becoming familiar with the river and bathing regularly.
Originally belonging to the late president of the Aviculture Society, Raymond Sawyer, the move is hoped to encourage breeding as the original group of six have produced eggs in the past.
Birdland director Simon Blackwell said: “We’re really excited to have these fantastic flamingos at Birdland, who are settling in really well and I’m sure will prove a popular addition to our ever-expanding flock.” To further encourage breeding, there are plans to revamp the enclosure as Caribbean flamingos require crowded conditions to reproduce.
Birdland head keeper Alastair Keen added: “The activity going on in the flamingo camp is really exciting and we are hopeful for some eggs to be laid soon.”
Birdland is open daily from 10am. For more information about the Cotswold visitor attraction, call 01451 820480 or visit birdland.co.uk.
