Flamingos are born with soft gray feathers. Around their 3rd birthday, their color turns flaming pink or orange. That’s quite a birthday present! Their feathers are orange and pink because their diet of algae and shrimp are high in carotenoids. Carotenoids are what give carrots their orange hue and make cooked shrimp pink…like a flamingo’s feathers! If the flamingos stopped eating this type of diet, its feathers would eventually go back to being white.

Instructions

1. Begin in mountain pose.
2. Spread your arms open like graceful wings as your left leg extends straight back.
3. Bend forward at the hip hinge.
4. Establish your balance little by little as you adjust your arms and back leg.
5. Clear your mind and fix your attention on your breath, body and focusing friend. Notice when your thoughts are scattered, your pose is unsteady too.
6. If you feel like flying, gently flap your wings Repeat with the opposite leg.

Do both sides 2-3 times.

Activity Ideas for Home or Classroom

Ecological Echoes
A flamingo flies with its head and neck stretched out in front. And, unlike other feathered friends, flamingos bend and stretch their legs behind them when balancing. Can you feel the difference between stork and flamingo?

Math Medley
Flamingo wings are about 60 inches from tip to tip. How many feet is that? Hint: 1 foot = 12 inches What is your wingspan? Measure from fingertip to fingertip.

Body Benefits
Flamingo legs might look scrawny and spindly, but they’re not. This pose strengthens, shapes and tones the legs. The upper body may then experience a sense of feathery lightness. Praise your child as you see them become more graceful, poised and balanced.