Palisadians ‘Flock’ to Celebrate

Anthony Marguleas Decorates Lawns with Birthday Flamingos

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The landscape of special occasions has drastically changed since Safer at Home orders went into place—but Anthony Marguleas of Amalfi Estates is aiming to spread birthday joy … one flock of flamingos at a time.

Marguleas has amassed a collection of 130 decorative flamingos that he fills lawns with overnight at houses that have someone celebrating a birthday. The flock is split up and placed at a maximum of three locations per night.

“I was online and saw another agent, Kristina McCann in the Bay area, have this birthday flamingo idea, so I reached out to her to learn more about it,” Marguleas shared of the inspiration. “With so much negative news and people not being able to enjoy their birthday, it seemed like a perfect thing to bring a smile to people’s faces.”

Marguleas added that the joy is not just for their birthday person and their family—but anyone who walks by.

He received 20 requests within in the first week. Almost all have been in the Palisades, with two in Brentwood.

“The response has been truly amazing,” Marguleas shared.

The flamingos made their birthday debut at the Trout family’s house to celebrate Charlie’s 21st birthday.

“It was shocking how many there were,” his mom, Michele, said with a laugh. “It was just so great.”

She explained that her son was dreading celebrating his birthday away from his friends and that having the flock appear on their lawn helped make it special.

“It was a surprise for sure,” Michele said. “He just laughed, he couldn’t believe it.”

“I love doing this,” Marguleas shared. “It is a couple of hours every night, but is 100% worth it.”

Marguleas, his wife and four college-age kids head out from about 8 to 9:30 p.m. for what he described as “Flamingo Family time.”

“I think I get as much joy doing it as they do receiving it,” he added. “My daughter, Anna, writes the birthday person’s name on the sign since she has the best penmanship. If we get more than three birthday requests a night, I may need to expand my ‘flock.’”

The Marguleas family is still taking requests. To sign up, email anthony@amalfiestates.com or text 310-293-9280.