The Switch
In the soft light of early morning a small gathering of flamingos shifts gently into place as though the lagoon itself is guiding their quiet rhythm.
Quick Insight: Why do flamingos form small groups within larger flocks?
They gather in smaller social clusters to reduce stress, strengthen bonds, and coordinate feeding and resting behaviour, allowing each bird to stay connected and secure within the wider colony.
The water carries a pale silver glow as the morning light begins to open across the surface. The two flamingos in front cross paths with effortless control. Their legs fold and extend in a slow pattern that feels almost rehearsed, yet it is entirely instinctive. Flamingos communicate through these motions, using posture and movement to signal direction, comfort, and recognition. The approaching bird senses their rhythm and adjusts its path with a slight change of angle, joining the pair without disturbance.
Their feathers hold soft variations of pink, touched gently by the young light. Flamingos gain their colour from the pigment rich organisms drifting in these shallows. As they feed, their bills sweep upside down through the water, filtering algae and tiny crustaceans that shape the hues of their plumage. Their slow movements prevent sudden breaks in the surface, keeping the water calm enough to search for food.
The two flamingos complete their crossing and settle into a new alignment that makes space for the third. It is a small reorganisation, a moment often known as the switch, where individuals adjust positions to maintain harmony and connection. There is no rush. Their world is shaped by quiet awareness and subtle cooperation.
Through the lens the scene feels almost suspended. The formation steadies. The reflections deepen. The approaching bird slips naturally into place beside the other two, and the lagoon absorbs the shift with seamless calm. Nothing grand occurs, yet the moment carries a quiet significance. The beauty lies in the gentle choreography of birds who understand one another with gestures so soft they could be missed without careful attention.
Sometimes it is these understated movements that reveal the real language of the wild. A small adjustment. A change in direction. A silent conversation carried across the surface of the water. The morning expands slowly around them and the flamingos continue their quiet journey together.
Select fine art prints from the Feathered Friends Collection will be released from 2026. Subscriptions are now available at https://shop.adamkossowski.com to receive updates. Small limited editions of some prints are also now available.
Feathered Friends Collection Note
The Feathered Friends Collection celebrates the quiet brilliance of birds and the gentle stories carried on their wings. Each photograph captures a moment of connection, resilience, or wonder, offering a window into the lives of the species that move through our skies and wetlands with such quiet significance.
Some Quick Facts
1. Why are flamingos pink
Their colour comes from carotenoid pigments found in algae and tiny crustaceans.
2. Why do flamingos prefer shallow water
Shallow wetlands allow them to feed efficiently with their specialised filter feeding bills.
3. Why do flamingos move in small coordinated groups
These movements help maintain connection and reduce stress within the flock.
4. How long do flamingos live
They commonly live thirty to forty years in the wild and sometimes longer in protected areas.
5. Do flamingos migrate
Some migrate seasonally when water levels shift while others remain in stable wetlands year round.
