news Pink flamingo flock greets PM on 50th birthday

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Pink flamingo flock greets PM on 50th birthday



Thu Apr 30, 12:49 PM





By Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press


OTTAWA - Stephen Harper left his house Thursday morning to discover his front lawn covered by a flock of plastic pink flamingos.

The prime minister's staff thought this would be the way to mark his 50th birthday - and at the same time provide for a colourful photo opportunity. Harper stepped out from the front door just after 8 a.m., holding hands with his daughter Rachel.

A pair of prime ministerial staffers began singing Happy Birthday, capping their ditty with the penultimate line, "Happy birthday, Prime Mi-ni-sterrrr."

Harper responded by telling his staff: "We should get you a band."

He and Rachel strolled the 50 or so paces from the front door to walk amongst the flamingos and, at his urging, they both crouched down to pose next to a sign that read, "Happy 50th birthday! Prime Minister."

Just before Harper walked out, some of his people joked that the birds were a surprise and if he disliked it, they might be looking for new jobs.

But he appeared to appreciate the gesture and offered a quick thank you before heading back inside 24 Sussex Dr.