Wild American Flamingo in Pennsylvania?!!
The most northern record EVER in North America. This bird has been occupying a farm pond amid Appalachia – blown off course along with many other flamingos during Hurricane Idalia. Until a few days prior, this bird was joined by its mate (flamingos mate for life & apparently get lost together) when she was attacked by a Snapping Turtle. Reconstructive surgery on her injured leg was successful thanks to the quick action of Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.
Quite the saga for these beautiful birds, and nature under a microscope at its finest. My trip to south-central PA was incredible – so great to see this beauty and the locals of this rural community so intertwined with its well-being. The hope is that rehab is successful & the birds can be reunited in one-way-or-another. Definitely a pinch-me moment watching a bird native to the Caribbean against the rolling backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.