One of the most fascinating spectacles for nature lovers and wildlife photographers in the Camargue is the courtship of the greater flamingos. From late winter into early spring the colonies come alive – and the light is often at its most beautiful.
The flamingo dance
You hear them before you see them: an excited chatter, and then hundreds of birds start moving. They march from one side of the marsh to the other, turning their heads left and right in perfect synchrony, stretching and bending their long necks as far as they will go.
The best male "dancers" have the best chances of finding a partner, so they show off a whole repertoire of moves for the females to judge. During the wing salute they open their wings and reveal their intensely coloured feathers – at this time of year the plumage is at its most vivid pink and red.
Flamingos often stay with one partner for a season, sometimes longer, but many choose a new mate each breeding season. The female lays a single egg, which both parents incubate for about 30 days. After hatching, the chick is fed with "crop milk" produced by both parents. Even once it can walk and swim, the young flamingo is fed by its parents for around two more months, until its filter bill is fully developed.
Where to see it
The Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is one of the best places to watch the courtship. The flamingos live there freely and can fly in and out at any time, which makes it ideal for flight shots at relatively close range – especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
On my own wetlands the flamingos are regular visitors too. Early in the morning, when the first warm rays of sun touch their plumage against a dark sky, they are simply breathtaking. Flamingos are shy, but if you move slowly and watch their body language, you can get very close. And if you like, I can take you to the best flamingo spots in the Camargue myself.
What else late winter has to offer
February and March in the Camargue are unpredictable: morning mist that lifts slowly from the fields, rain or Mistral – and then brilliant blue skies with spring-like temperatures. It is noticeably milder than in northern Europe. The big advantages: hardly any mosquitoes, hardly any tourists, and the sun rises late enough for relaxed sunrise sessions by the sea.
Many birds stop over on their way north from Spain and Africa. Above all, common cranes can be seen in their thousands, feeding on the fields in large flocks or in small family groups. In the reed beds you can find bearded reedlings all year round, as well as purple swamphens, glossy ibis, herons, harriers and kites.
Some birds have not yet returned at this time of year – bee-eaters and rollers arrive later in spring. But every season in the Camargue has its own highlights.
My Early Spring Wildlife Intensive takes you into the Camargue at exactly this time of year – with flamingos, wetland birds and the white horses.