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Martin Mere welcomes flamingo chicks ahead of half term

News imageGary Gray A grey small chick stands by the feet of an older pink flamingo that bends down to it with its curved beak.Gary Gray
The chicks will gradually develop their famous pink colour by the age of two

A nature reserve has welcomed new flamingo chicks meaning visitors will be able to see the new birds this half term.

The birds have already been exploring beyond their nests after they hatched in April and early May at Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, Lancashire.

Born with soft grey down feathers, the chicks will gradually develop their famous pink colour by the age of two due to their diet, which contains carotenoids.

As they grow older, their beaks will also curve down like the adults, so they can filter feed on foods like brine shrimp and algae.

News imageWWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre Four chicks stand by the long slim legs of older pink flamingos. they stand in front of green planting.WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
The group of baby Flamingos, often known as a creche, are settling into the enclosure at Martin Mere.

Visitors will be able to see the chicks during the half-term break around the greater flamingo habitat.

Victoria Fellowes, visitor experience manager at Martin Mere, said: "Flamingos at Martin Mere have been wowing visitors since not long after opening in 1975.

"Some of the flamingos in the flock are even around 50 years in age."

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