Commercial salt production in Bonaire was started by the West India Company by exploiting the natural salt pans on the southern part of the island.
The large local breeding colony of Caribbean Flamingo's has found its niche among and in the salt pans since late 1969. They breed there undisturbed amid the condensers of the salt industry. Between December 1969 and March 1970, 2300 pairs nested there and 1700-1800 young were raised. Since then, there have been many successful breeding seasons.
Pieter Smit was born in Arnhem and has lived on Bonaire since 2010. In his spare time, he enjoys taking photos, mainly of the Caribbean island's colourful birds... Read more…