BLOWN WAY OFF COURSE.

Plastic lawn flamingos in Milwaukee neighborhoods or on Bascom Hill?  Pretty standard stuff.

The real thing, looking for food on a Port Washington beach?  That's odd.

For eight hours, five pink flamingos called Port Washington home, and really, is it different from what they're used to? You've got sand, waves, and people. A lot of people, just like you would on a tropical beach.

"Just close your eyes and pretend that you're in the Caribbean," said Beth Connell, flamingo watcher.

It's South Beach, but not Florida's.

Pictures similar to the ones taken are what vacations are made of. Even the professionals set up shop at Port Washington for it.

Milwaukee's South Shore Park beach sometimes offers views of cruise ships making, yes, port calls.

The flamingos in Port Washington?  Tempest-tossed.  "The American Birding Association says Hurricane Idalia threw the American Flamingo off course, some even spotted in Ohio. These five showed up along Port Washington's shoreline Friday morning on Sept. 22, bringing out some cheer leaders."  The shore, unfortunately, offered slim pickings.

As our feathered friends flew south, birders say it is possible they'll stay close to the lake.

"They filter feed like whales which is cool, mostly feeding on little zo-plankton and stuff. Will they find anything to eat in Lake Michigan? Yea, there's spiny water fleas and bloody red shrimp I'm sure they're feeding on," said Miller.

Bird experts say it's unclear if the flamingos will find enough of what they like to eat in Lake Michigan. So, it is no surprise these five flew the coop.

I suspect flamingos will not find Wisconsin winters congenial, and zebra mussels are also filter feeders.

Milwaukee's Journal-Sentinel helpfully compiled answers to some frequently asked questions about Wisconsin flamingos.