Greater Flamingo still at Ile Perseverance |29 July 2013

The Greater Flamingo has adapted well to the Seychelles environment (Photo courtesy: Kevin Hermitte, Port Glaud)

 The Greater Flamingo which was discovered in October 2012 by Seychellois Nicholas Rose, who then reported the find to the Department of Environment, is still roaming about in the Perseverance marshes eight months later.

 The bird has gained weight and height, looks very comfortable and adaptable in its new surroundings. It has also developed a bright healthy-looking pinkish colour and vibrant fluffy wings and looks very relaxed in its adopted home.

 Mr Adrian Skerrett, a representative of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee, said in an article in the Seychelles NATION newspaper published in that month announcing the description of the bird, said it was the third time this enigmatic bird has been recorded in the granitic islands.

 “Strangely enough, the first time was on Mahé in 1972 when an international ornithological congress was being held in Seychelles, giving many of the attending bird experts from around the world the opportunity to enjoy this landmark event. The second time was on Frégate in 1993, so this is the first time for nearly twenty years and only the third ever,” said Mr Skerrett.

 Mr Skerret advised the population that if they see a rare bird they should report it to Mr Ronley Fanchette at the Department of Environment or to Adrian Skerrett himself of the Seychelles Bird Records Committee on telephone 2513318. Anyone who would like to have a complete list of all the rare birds recorded in Seychelles with the number of records on each island can visit the SBRC website and go to the page entitled SEYCHELLES LIST, which is free to download.