In the Pink: Wildlife of the Camargue

By A Venturing Nomad.

The national park in southern France known as the Parc Natural Regional de Camargue, just south of Avignon and nestled between Marseille and Montpelier is a veritable haven for wildlife of all creeds and colours from the famous white Camargue horses, with which it shares its name to the recognisable black bulls, also resident of the region.

Our journey on this trip, though, was primarily focused on something....Pink!

The pink flamingo is a tall, wading bird that can be found across North America, Africa and Southern Europe, its name comes from the Portuguese / Spanish Flamengo - meaning flame coloured, although there are several colourations depending on the species, each can be slightly varied throughout the year as they turn a slightly darker shade of pink depending on their breeding status.

The greater flamingo, as its name suggests, is the most common here in the Camargue, and whilst you will see varying heights in their groups, known as a flamboyance or a stand of flamingoes, this is usually down to the maturity and gender of the individual bird.

Monitoring these family groups, you will also notice groups of mature birds surrounding groups of smaller, younger juveniles for the flamingoes are a type of bird that shares 'child care', so the younger ones are kept in schools or nurseries for safety, as a collective responsibility.

Whilst you will see scatterings of flamingoes around the Camargue, the best place to get up close and personal is the Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau. Situated on the main road at the entrance to the area, you will no doubt pass it on your left as you arrive.

www.parcornitholgique.com will provide the latest information on opening times and prices. This 60 ha (148 acres) wildlife sanctuary will allow you to wander along the boardwalks and witness the majesty of these birds wading, feeding and generally going about their business, seemingly without a care in the world.

Nature trails and hides dotted around provide unique access and are ideal for discovering, observing and photographing these unique birds. Usually seen standing on one leg, for which the research does not provide a wholly conclusive answer, the general thought is to conserve heat/energy whilst spending numerous hours in the water, for this is how they feed, as flamingoes are omnivores that feed on both blue-green algae and brine shrimp through filter feeding.

Flamingo bills are specially adapted for filter-feeding, meaning they can separate mud and silt from the small organisms they eat. Unlike most birds, flamingoes feed with their heads upside down, using their uniquely shaped bills to strain food from the water. When their chicks are young, both male and female flamingo parents produce a special nutrient-rich secretion called crop milk, which they regurgitate to feed their young.

Witnessing these birds in any location is a wondrous treat; seeing them on mass and allowing yourself the time and experience to co-exist for the day is a lifelong memory.

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]  or find out more on Instagram