A TWO-DAY-old flamingo chick has become the latest attraction for visitors at a nature reserve.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, at Washington, is hoping for a record number of flamingo chicks this year and is celebrating the first arrivals.

With their straight beaks, stubby legs and silver plumage, the birds so far bear little resemblance to their elegant, pink parents. The Chilean flamingos arrived at the reserve in 1986, but they failed to breed until 1992.

According to centre manager Chris Francis, the birds can live for more than 50 years, but only lay a single egg every 12 months and are not overly concerned if they lose it.

To reduce the risk of this happening, all of the eggs are removed to the safety of a nearby waterfowl nursery and the parents are provided with substitute clay eggs to sit on.

Once the chicks begin to hatch they are brought back.

Chris said: "They are out in the enclosure now with their parents.

"They are very sociable animals so if you get a dozen or so youngsters they form a creche and all walk round together, with all the mums chipping in and helping.

"If we do get 12 chicks it will be a record."