“The removal of silt from the creek has made it deeper and allows salt water to enter. This has resulted in algae growth. Now with the birds coming in, their droppings will boost the growth,” said Avinash Kubal, deputy director, Maharashtra Nature Park Society (MNPS).

Eleven flamingoes have made the vicinity of MNPS along the Mithi their home for the past three days. Kubal says a plan for the protection of the birds will be soon forwarded to the MMRDA.

“At first we were not sure of the flamingoes staying here for long and thought it was one of their outings. However, three days later, they have completely settled in,” he said.

Kubal said flamingoes have been spotted in the area for the first time. That too during the monsoon.

Usually, the Sewree mudflats and some parts of Thane see flamingoes visiting during the winter as the birds escape the severe cold of Siberia and migrate to the relatively warmer shores of India.