Community Corner

'Help! Have You Seen Our Missing Flamingos?'

While flocks of flamingos are landing around parts of Southington as part of the Boy Scout Troop 45 fundraiser, 20 have gone missing and the scouts are seeking help in getting them back.

The motto is “flock or be flocked,” but for members of Boy Scout Troop 45, the bright pink flamingos that should be making their way around the community have gone missing – and they are asking for help from the community in seeing the birds return home safe.

Approximately 20 flamingos, part of a popular fundraising program in the community, were taken from their home in front of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Main Street late last week and their whereabouts remain unknown.

It was a demoralizing discovery for members of the troop, who had planned to use the money for scout activities and service projects throughout the community.

“When scouts arrived Friday, they found empty legs and only one flamingo standing,” said Gayle Rossi, press coordinator for the troop. “Having this setback not only cuts into the funds raised, but also puts a negative spin on an event that has been drawing very positive feedback from the community.”

It’s the second consecutive year that members of the troop have watched as their flamingos fell victim to theft. In 2012, a Southington teenager stole several birds from the flock and while a few were recovered, most were damaged beyond repair, Rossi said.

“This is very frustrating as the Boy Scouts are very excited to participate in the fundraiser, which supports the program by helping to provide the funds needed for scout activities and service projects,” Rossi said.

Despite the challenges, the troop has continued to flock on. The fundraiser is continuing through the next several weeks.

For a $20 donation, residents can order a surprise flocking for friends and family. Scouts will help the flamingos land in the yard of your choice – it must be a single-family dwelling – along with a friendly message for their host. 

The flamingos will spend the entire day roosting in each yard, and will then fly off to another unsuspecting host.  

Don't want to be flocked? Anti-Flocking insurance is also available for a donation of $10. For more information, or to flock someone, call or email Troop 45 Flocking Coordinator, Jeanette McNamara at (860) 680-9927 or Troop45Flocks@gmail.com.

If you know where the missing flock has gone, you may also contact Jeanette McNamara.

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