Birdwatching? Nearly Extinct Pink Bird Sighted!

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Near Extinction, Pink Flamingos Have Been Sighted in Pennsylvania

Yup, that's right. You would expect to find pink flamingos in Florida, but I just read a report that they have been sighted in Pennsylvania. The owners of Sheridan Collectibles, an eCRATER store in Pennsylvania, have found a few of these rare and endangered pink birds in the western part of the state. Oh, did I mention that these pink-feathered aquatic birds are of the plastic lawn ornament species, subspecies "Don Featherstone"?

The Don Featherstone "Original" pink flamingo lawn ornament nearly became extinct when its manufacturer, Union Products, closed its doors after nearly 50 years of production. The copyright and original molds have been purchased by a New York company.

Pink Flamingos: An Endangered Species

In the 1950s when America's populus was heading to the suburbs and Florida tourism was booming, the plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament was hatched. In just under 50 years, production of Union Product's pink flamingo lawn ornament (the original) had reached an amazing 250,000 units per year.

By 2006 our mock feathered friend was facing extinction. Faced with increased costs and loss of financing, the original plastic pink flamingo's Massachusetts manufacturer, Union Products, closed its doors November 2006.

Don't despair. It's not time to mourn yet. HMC Products International LLC in Westmoreland, New York, purchased the copyright and plastic molds to resume production.

Tacky or not, you may still be able to purchase the "original" pink flamingo lawn ornaments . . . and if you have the originals, hang on to them. They may become a valuable collectible. Originals have the signature of the creator, Don Featherstone, etched on the rear end and were manufactured by Union Products.

We've searched the internet and originals are still few and far between. If you are a pink flamingo collector, you might want to grab a pair now.

Original Pink Flamingos on Sheridan Collectibles

The original pink flamingo lawn ornament is currently available at Sheridan Collectibles, an eCRATER store.

Don Featherstone Pink Flamingo

Pink Flamingo Lawn Ornament

Your thoughts about the pink flamingo comeback?

Glad they're back?

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No! I think they're tacky.

Yes! Can't wait to get some.

kephrira says:

it's so wrong it's right

 

How to Identify the Original Pink Flamingo

You can recognize the original by their unique markings. The original pink flamingo has Don Featherstone's signature etched on the rear.

Don Featherstone Pink Flamingo

The Original Pink Flamingo lawn ornament also bears the Union Products name on their bellies.

Original Pink Flamingo Lawn Ornament

Don Featherstone's Pink Flamingo Book on Amazon

Interested in reading about Don Featherstone and his 1950's pink flamingo creation?
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And for Halloween - Skel-a-Flamingos for your lawn!

If you collect pink flamingo lawn ornaments, here are a few interesting items on Amazon.
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  • AppalachianCountry Oct 28, 2009 @ 7:54 am | delete
    We say yes to this pink bird. Fun lens. 5 stars*****
  • faithcreations Sep 10, 2008 @ 7:29 pm | delete
    Nice Lens! Welcome to the "SHOP AT HOME" group! Faith
  • JewelryCollectibles Sep 9, 2008 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Very nice lens. Gave you 5 stars and added you to my group. Keep up the good work!
  • awelldressedbullet Aug 22, 2008 @ 8:11 pm | delete
    I Love it! Welcome to the ECRATER Stores Group - Kathy

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