We’ve all seen inflatable flamingos drift by us in hotel or lido swimming pools and wondered why adults would indulge in such examples of tropical kitsch, while rolling our eyes at a (former) friend who has tried – in vain – to hold on to one of the plastic specimens without slipping off. 

Few of us have ever imagined we’d be able to see these stunning birds live. But, tomorrow morning, on 8th August, for a very limited three hours – 8am to 11am – we all get the opportunity to watch the Greater Flamingo preen and wade at the Ghadira Nature Reserve. Actually, correction, flamingos: BirdLife Malta, who manages the Mellieha reserve, have confirmed that their site has suddenly become home to a staggering 10 flamingos.

“This should be a unique opportunity to see and enjoy a rare spectacle,” BirdLife Malta told us. “Although BirdLife Malta's reserves are closed for the summer break, we decided to open the reserve for a couple of hours tomorrow to members of the public and photographers to enjoy this unusual sight.”

Indeed, tomorrow morning all visitors will be guided into the birdwatching hide and the reception centre, with BirdLife Malta staff present on site to ensure that there is no unnecessary disturbance to the birds. 

“Apart from eight flamingos which were part of a much bigger flock migrating over the Maltese Islands on Saturday, at Għadira we also have another two 'resident' flamingos,” BirdLife Malta confirmed. “One of these has been at our reserve for nearly a year now, after it was rescued from Armier Bay in August 2017. The other one was found injured at the Freeport a few weeks ago and was also rehabilitated and released at Għadira at the end of July.”

But, if you’re expecting to only see a flock of bright pink birds, you'd be mistaken. Few people know that the Greater Flamingo (fjamingu in Maltese) turns bright pink – its key identifying feature – only when it reaches the age of five. “All the Greater Flamingos presently at Għadira Nature Reserve are different shades of grey and pink, indicating different ages. In particular, the last ones which settled at the reserve over the weekend are fully grey, indicating that these juveniles only hatched earlier this year. It is very difficult to determine from where these young birds migrated before they arrived in Malta,” BirdLife Malta explained. 

Curious to know more? Tomorrow is your chance! No booking is required for this special event, and entry to the reserve will be free of charge. A second open morning might be organised during the weekend, but more details will be announced later.