“A rare and special flock of flamingos” are headed this way again. They are shown in a landing at Arrowhead mobile home Park in 2014 in this News-Herald file photo.

Some may recall the special treat the Tama-Toledo community experienced when a “rare and very special” flock of pink flamingos changed their migratory patterns to include the area. One of the nation’s leading ornithologists, Dr. Marty Malarkey of Balderdash University, penned a series of articles to our local press regarding the special event preparing the community for their unlikely visitors. After a year off, it appears the beautiful and colorful birds will be making a return visit in April and taking off again before STC Commencement.

“The conditions are just right again in the southern part of Tama County, specifically the communities in and around Tama and Toledo and the South Tama County School District, for these magnificent creatures to return.”, said Dr. Malarkey in a recent interview, “Again I ask the members of the community to be welcoming hosts, and to not feed them or “shoo” them away.” The last few visits, community members could witness their unique roosting nature; they will find a yard in the evening hours and generally remain in that yard for about 24 hours until moving on to another yard. Dr. Malarkey wants to remind property owners “they will not harm your property at all, and will remain extremely still when approached – almost as if they are made of plastic.”

Once again, Malarkey will employ a local group’s help with monitoring the flock. In the past, this has been the job of the South Tama Music Boosters. “I’m so excited the flamingos are returning this year after a brief hiatus”, said Mike Carnahan, STC Instrumental Music Director, “this is always such a fun time for our community, and I enjoy how it seems to brighten the atmosphere and bring in a pop of color.”

If you would like a close up view of members of this unique flock, or if you have someone in mind who you think would enjoy waking up to a nice pink surprise in their yards, you are encouraged to contact Mary Jo Cherveny, STC Music Booster President at (641) 485-4363 or Cindy Hill, STC Music Booster Secretary at (641) 485 1867. You can also find information regarding this event on the STC Music Boosters Facebook page, search for “STC Music Boosters”.

In the years the flock has been in the area, the Music Boosters have been able to raise funds for their group which supports the students of STC who are involved in the music programs as community members wish to see them up close. It has been a positive and fun experience for many who have taken part and by utilizing this event as a fund raiser, the STC Music Boosters have been able to help send music students to exciting destinations such as the upcoming Music Trip to New York City in May of 2017.

“I think the community members there now realize what a unique and special family of flamingos these are”, added Malarkey, “and it should be noted if you believe my life’s work studying this particular flock, I also have a really nice bridge in Florida, which I have lovingly painted pink, for sale.”