Caribbean Flamingos Spotted at Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas
A Pair of Caribbean Flamingos Made the Visit to Rock City!
Well, this is one way to prove a point!
Back in April we told you how the Caribbean Flamingo found its way back to the Virgin Islands. Hunted out of these islands. Carried home from Bermuda wrapped in cheesecloth. Knocked flat by Hurricane Irma. Then slowly, quietly rebuilding. We ended that story on hope. We did not expect a sequel to wade into our own backyard.
On September 24, 2026, a pair of young Caribbean flamingos showed up at a pond on the East End of St. Thomas.
Why Aren't They Pink?
Look closely and you'll notice these two are more gray than pink. That's because they're young. Caribbean Flamingos start out gray and take a few years to color up, as pigments from the brine shrimp and algae they eat build up in their feathers.
You can already see it starting. The taller of the pair is blushing around the face and neck, while its buddy is still mostly gray with dark, streaky wings.
Where Did These Flamingos Come From?
We can't say for sure. The closest big flocks live in the British Virgin Islands on Anegada and Necker Island, and birds from those flocks have been spotted roaming to Tortola and now and then the USVI. Young flamingos wandering to new ponds is one of the ways a recovering population finds room to grow. So yes, we're a little emotional about two gray teenagers standing in a pond.
How to Observe Flamingos in the Wild
Flamingos travel, so this pair may have moved on by the time you read this. If you do spot them:
Keep your distance and keep it quiet. A spooked flamingo burns energy it needs.
The pond sits on Crystal Cove's grounds, so please be respectful of both the wildlife and resort guests.
Never feed them. Ever.
Log your sighting on eBird, so researchers can track where the birds are turning up.
Want the Whole Comeback Story?
From feathered-hat hunters to a private jet out of Bermuda, read We Welcome Back the Caribbean Flamingos to the Virgin Islands
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