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Rare Flamingos Flock to Goa's Santa Cruz Wetlands
2 Jul
Summary
- Fifteen greater flamingos, including juveniles, are a rare sight in Goa.
- Monsoon winds may have diverted flamingos from migration routes.
- Wetland's fragility highlighted amid unusual avian visitors.
A flock of 15 greater flamingos has become an unexpected spectacle at Goa's Santa Cruz wetlands, attracting birdwatchers and photographers. The group includes three adult and 12 juvenile birds, a significantly larger number than typically observed in the state.
This sighting is particularly unusual as flamingos are rarely seen in Goa during this time of year. Experts hypothesize that the current monsoon rainfall and strong winds may have led the birds to deviate from their normal migration routes, possibly from Gujarat or Maharashtra, causing them to temporarily stop in Goa. Previous recorded sightings in the region have usually involved only a few birds during the winter months of December and January.
The arrival of these flamingos has also drawn attention to the delicate condition of the Santa Cruz wetlands. Despite being an important habitat for various bird species, the area suffers from littering and pollution from waste and religious offerings. Forest department officials have acknowledged the sighting as an indicator of the health of Central Asian flyways and Goa's wetlands, urging conservation efforts and respectful observation by the public.
