Juxtaposition. Sandhill Crane and Chilean Flamingo, together at the Palm Beach Zoo.

Sandhill Cranes we see in Florida, Chilean Flamingos not so much.

Not quite as large, but more intensely pink-orange… the American (aka Caribbean) Flamingo, also at the Palm Beach Zoo.

Only recently have scientists concluded that YES flamingos are native to Florida.

Miami Herald: Is century-old flamingo mystery finally solved?

Early naturalists spotted plenty flamingos, but never made a definitive decision. A century later, after plume hunters ravaged the state, they’d mostly disappeared. Now, a comprehensive study recently published in the American Ornithological Society’s journal The Condor finally provides an answer: Flamingos are likely natives, though their footprint in Florida is as light as their hot pink feathers.

I’d love to hop across the water someday and see the flamingos in the Bahamas, on Great Inagua Island. Over 80,000 of them!

Audubon: The Bahamas are filled with flamingos once again

Flamingo feeding with its eyes open.

That color! Love it.

Ballerina bird.

Tutu beautiful.