In the pink suddenly: How flamingos transform urban landscapes magically

Anurag Bhatu is a

wildlife

photographer and researcher working on

climate change

and its impacts on

biodiversity

. Writing in Times Evoke Inspire, Bhatu describes the arrival of migratory lesser flamingos in his hometown of Porbandar in Gujarat, how the flamingos bring alive the city’s wetlands — and what their magic means to him:


Through my Masters degree and my advanced research studies, I have focused on climate change and its impacts on avifaunal biodiversity — that might sound complex but my love for nature is actually very simple. My earliest inspiration to study the natural world came from watching nature documentaries as a child — seeing multiple species and amazing habitats spread across the world left me mesmerised. It seemed like nature performed a kind of magic globally. However, one species in particular captivated me. I was enthralled by

the world of birds

. And one bird became my absolute favourite — in my view, the most graceful avian being, whose name literally means ‘flame-coloured’, the

pink flamingo

, a species of deeply vibrant beauty.

WHEN THE LAKE BLUSHED: Travelling in flocks of thousands, the deep pink lesser flamingos turn

city wetlands

and marshes into gorgeous sights (Photos: Anuraj Bhatu)

I have studied and photographed flamingos for five years now, observing their behaviour, habitats, foraging activity and mating displays. Lesser flamingos are colonial breeders, gathering in large groups — over 50,000 birds at a time is common — to perform ritualised displays aimed at attracting potential mates. These displays are initiated by the male birds who, to impress female flamingos, dance in a sequence of synchronised moves — they march, nod their heads back and forth or salute with outstretched wings. These rituals are as impressive as a carefully rehearsed dance in a grand palace — only, these are performed in increasingly polluted marshes and urban wetlands, whose dank, contaminated settings suddenly come alive with the glowing pink of these birds.

A PERFECT MATCH: Male flamingos perform synchronised dances, nodding their heads and saluting with their wings, to attract females

I have had the fortune of observing these birds at close quarters within my own hometown. Flamingos, which are also the state bird of Gujarat, flock in large numbers to Porbandar. The old port city receives about 28 inches of rain annually. This helps the growth of algae in the city’s wetlands, including the Chhaya Rann marsh grounds. These salt-rich urban marshes attract migratory lesser flamingos which feed on diatoms and other blue-green algae. Porbandar has thus become a haven for flamingos — the birds arrive every year, flying sometimes all the way from east and south Africa. As an avian observer, I could not ask for more as these flocks, colouring the blue skies in swathes of pink, fly to just two kilometres from my home, in the heart of Porbandar city.

Anurag Bhatu is a wildlife photographer


During the flamingos’ stay, which usually lasts from October till June, to watch the birds before urban noise and human activity take over, I reach the wetlands and set up my gear at least an hour before sunrise. Sometimes, to photograph the birds without causing them any disturbance, I have to crawl through the marsh’s mud and undergrowth very slowly. These adventures usually unfold on chilly winter mornings, when the marshlands are even more forbidding. However, I can’t express the sheer joy I feel on seeing the birds interact with ease, and occasionally getting the perfect light and angle for a stunning shot.


Watching the flamingos makes me realise how much beauty nature has created. I can feel the wonders the Earth possesses and sense how little of these we humans even get to see, stuck in our concrete jungles. I feel the flamingos grace us with their presence — they remind us of life’s mysterious beauty. To see them standing there, arched gracefully, to hear their excited calls and then, to watch their intricate dances makes me feel honoured to witness such a special species.

I hope to help conserve these amazing birds. My fear is that as water levels fall across wetlands, these flamingos might be forced to seek other habitats. I will do what I can to help these birds continue coming to Porbandar, for my life won’t be the same without seeing the city’s marshes turn pink, or the skies blushing as these wondrous travellers take flight.

Times Evoke Inspire is a unique space for young readers to express their thoughts on the environment and showcase pictures of nature. Write in to: timesevoke@timesgroup.com