Greater Flamingos of Gurgaon

A Greater Flamingo flies past

The reader might be wondering why I did not title this post, the Painted Storks of Gurgaon. While no doubt it would have been a great idea to focus on just one of the water-bird species found in Gurgaon, but then, when I started to write this blog, I decided to use a more specific title so that I could write about one of the larger species of birds found on the outskirts of Gurgaon, the exotic, Greater Flamingo. So, then without beating around the bushes, I will tell you that though this post is dedicated to the Flamingos, I have also included photographs of Painted Storks and the Black-Necked Storks that visit the city. I will not say much about the location of the spot because unfortunately, this is a wetland that is steadily being destroyed to make way for buildings, apartments and housing societies. It is unfortunate that no one in the administration or the common is really interested in preserving this highly valuable and important ecosystem found in Gurgaon.

A Greater Flamingo flying towards the lens

Greater Flamingos fly in search of feeding grounds

Greater Flamingos fly towards the Najafgarh Wetland

A Lone Greater Flamingo hurries to catch up with the rest of the flock

A Lone Flamingo rushes to catch up with the rest of the Flock

Through this post, I would like to draw the reader's attention towards the more playful nature of Painted Storks. In fact Juvenile Painted Storks chase each other around like children do! Flamingoes are a closely-knit group of birds and like Sarus Cranes (that I didn't spot this time) are very loving towards each other. I have often seen Flamingo pairs fly so close to each other that they seem to overlap each other! It is interesting also to see different species of birds coexisting with each other in great harmony, a lesson for us indeed! Yes, and just to clarify any doubts about what you think the fella below was doing, well he was preparing for a Painted Storks singing competition!

A Painted Stork clears its throat

Painted Storks chasing each other

A pair of Painted Storks doing the Foxtrot

A Black-necked Stork stands before a Painted Stork

Without a doubt it is highly satisfying to see these beautiful and graceful birds lift up to fly into the morning sky with the golden sun making their feathers turn golden, a spiritual moment indeed, as one would say a great way to connect with the Creator of these miracles. Somehow, we have lost our connect from nature, and it is oases such as these that serve to refresh and revive you.

A Pair of Greater Flamingos fly close to each other

A lone Greater Flamingo hurries in search of the others

Gurgaon is indeed a conundrum, a city of contrasts what with the rural and the urban aspects co-existing. If it is a city of skyscrapers, it is also a city where one might find buffalo herders taking their buffalos to pasture. And there exist even now pockets of areas where people, domestic animals and waterbirds exist in harmony. Scenes such as these are simply out of this world!

In perfect harmony

I guess a better title for this post would be "Nature in the Neighbourhood" and this title would justify our need to protect and treasure nature in our neighbourhood. The Lockdown caused by the Coronavirus pandemic must have given nature a brief respite from our destructive activities. It is because of the absence of people for quite some time that these birds have grown into young adults, though, I believe they need a little more practice in making a landing in the water.

A Landing attempt by a Juvenile Painted Stork

Aiming for the centre line, a Painted Stork attempts a landing

Note: If you really want to enjoy the photographs, I suggest that you zoom in on each photograph so that you can see the intricate details.