When Roger Morris and Christy Whitaker first met, they discovered they had a shared love — for flamingos. Their love of the pink-feathered creatures has evolved over the past two years from earrings and accessories to throw pillow and blankets, and even a large metal flamingo named “Big Pink” that graces the couple’s living room.
But, after visiting a consignment shop a little over a year ago, Whitaker made a purchase that would bring the long-legged creatures out onto the front lawn. A common fundraiser in the Owensboro area is to have someone’s yard “flocked” with pink plastic flamingos encouraging home-renters and owners to donate money to have these plastic birds removed from their lawn.
Whitaker came upon four of the discarded plastic creatures and the collection grew from there with the couple finding flamingos or flamingo-inspired items at Goodwill stores and yard sales.
Last December, Morris created the first flamingo yard scene with flamingo reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh, and the ideas have not stopped since.
“The lady that lives on Griffith with the lions — we were kind of inspired by that,” Morris said.
The couple’s home may not sit on Griffith Avenue, but it still sees quite a bit of traffic at the corner of Scherm Road and Lewis Lane.
“This intersection is so busy, day and night,” Morris said.
Their lawn currently features flamingos of various shapes and sizes participating in what appears to be a Fourth of July cookout. The flamingos are wearing everything from miniature Uncle Sam hats to tiny rain boots as they grill burgers, listen to a pink boombox and play corn hole.
The two often channel their crafty side by spray painting items various shades of pink and creating miniature versions of grass skirts, clothing and accessories.
“Amazon sells outfits, but they’re pretty expensive, so we just started making our own,” Whitaker said. “Part of the joy for us is just collecting stuff.”
In the past six months, the flamingos have had a summer pool party and even held a graduation ceremony on the front lawn to celebrate Morris’ daughter’s graduation from high school. Morris said he has already begun planning for this coming Christmas in which he hopes to create a flamingo-inspired nativity scene.
“It’s all about having fun,” Morris said. “I love that they make you smile.”
Shortly after Morris made that statement, a car pulled up to the stop sign in front of the couple’s home and rolled down the window.
“I love your flamingos,” the passenger said. “They make me smile every time.”
