There’s a reason why the coastal town of Porbandar in India is known as Surkhabi Nagri. Translated from Gujarati, it means ‘Flamingo City’, and every year up to 40 000 lesser flamingos flock here. Some birds come from as far as eastern and southern Africa to breed in the algae-filled wetlands.
Their arrival and subsequent displays of courtship are intended to attract a partner. The male birds twist, preen, swing their heads, and march along in unison. Lesser flamingos are serially monogamous, meaning they will find and remain with one mate for the duration of the breeding season and their parental duties, but then move on to another the following year.
Because of their elaborate dance sequences and vibrant pink hues, these flamingos also attract tourists and photographers eager to capture one of the most beautiful spectacles on Earth. But in recent years, there has been a decline in flamingos in Porbandar due to exceedingly dry seasons – the result of climate change. Photographer and researcher Anurag Bhatu has returned continuously to these wetlands to capture the dance of the lesser flamingos, and remind us of the beauty that we must protect.
Footage and images by Anurag Bhatu were used in the creation of this film.
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