A Dash of Pink

They have said that pink is not just a color, but a state of mind that fills our hearts with joy and warmth. This soft, subtle cousin to red gets its name from flowers in the genus Dianthus and derives from the frilled edge of those flowers. If one decorates with a perforated or punched pattern, it is referred to as "to pink". Pinking shears are scissors that cut a zig-zag line, preventing fraying.

When considering birds that boast a beautiful pink hue, the Roseate Spoonbill and flamingos naturally come to mind.

The Roseate Spoonbill can be found year-round along the upper Texas coast, and I recently had the pleasure of observing one glide over Willow Fork Park in Katy while giving a presentation. This park features a stunning lake and excellent birdwatching prospects. To keep up with the fantastic free programs and volunteer opportunities available, be sure to follow the Friends of Willow Fork Park Facebook page.

Spoonbills and flamingos derive their color from the pigments present in their diet. Carotenoids are pigments located in crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and algae. When these birds are hatch, they are gray and white. The pink hue gradually appears as they eat foods rich in carotenoids.

Spoonbills are named for their distinctive bill, which allows them to sweep through the water to capture crustaceans and small fish.

The term flamingo comes from the Portuguese flamengo or the Spanish flamenco, signifying "flame-colored". This originates from the old belief that Flemish people had a reddish or ruddy complexion.

Flamingoes are an infrequent visitor to Texas but they do show up every now and then along the coast. Following reports on eBird and other birding sites can help alert you to sightings of this flamboyant bird.

Lilly Pulitzer said "Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink."

from our friends at Birdorable

Roseate Spoonbill