Flamingos in Laguna Colorada with Salt flats

Laguna Colorada is a lagoon in the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Abaroa in Southern Bolivian Lipez Province. It is situated at an altitude of 4300 m, which is the reason for a very specific fauna. Algae in the lake produce red pigments for UV protection, which gives the late its distinctive color. The waters are rich of minerals, which crystallize at its shores forming white plates. Three species of flamingos, Andine, Chilean, and James' flamingos flock the lake. This picture was taken at early afternoon, so that the telephoto lens was obstructed by air density distortions.