Anguilla’s visiting flamingo has returned to the island for the winter, attracting attention from both residents and visitors who follow its annual journey.
The solitary bird has been spotted this October searching for brine shrimp in Road Salt Pond, offering a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe its striking presence.
Its annual visit serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of protecting Anguilla’s wetlands, which provide vital habitats for a diverse range of local and migratory bird species throughout the year.
Members of Anguilla Focus get exclusive discount codes for accommodation, travel and activities! Click here to join from just $3 per month.
Clemvio Hodge, manager of Quest Experiences which runs bird watching tours, described the bird’s return as “a special part of Anguilla’s natural charm”.
“We first noticed the flamingo around five or so years ago,” he told Anguilla Focus on 9 October, recalling a sighting on Road Salt Pond in October 2015.
“Its solitary presence and striking beauty immediately caught our attention, and over time, it became a familiar and anticipated sight for both locals and visitors.”
He said that about three years ago, it visited with a second flamingo, and according to the Anguilla National Trust the pair was seen together again in 2023.
The exact origin of the American flamingo remains a mystery, which Hodge said adds to the magic of its visits.
“Flamingos are known to travel long distances, and while it’s possible it comes from nearby wetlands in the region, we haven’t been able to confirm its home base.”
He said the flamingo is most often seen at West End Pond or Road Salt Pond with sightings more common during the cooler months, especially early mornings when the bird is feeding or resting.
“The flamingo’s presence is a beautiful reminder of how vital our wetlands are – not just for local wildlife, but for migratory species as well,” Hodge said.
“These ecosystems support biodiversity, help regulate climate, and offer unique opportunities for eco-tourism. Protecting them ensures that stories like this one continue to unfold for generations to come.”
Quest Experiences’ immersive and educational bird watching tour guides guests through Anguilla’s key wetland areas with expert commentary on local and migratory bird species.
“It’s a peaceful, nature-filled adventure that often includes sightings of egrets, herons, stilts – and if we’re lucky, the flamingo,” Hodge said.
See the flamingo below:
