The Pink Wave: Flamingos in Florida
2/10/2024 Wild flamingos sighted on Space Coast for the first time in decades.
According to NASA, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hasn't documented flamingo sightings since 1992.
In the wake of Hurricane Idalia's passage through Florida in August 2023, an extraordinary phenomenon unfolded as flamingos were spotted in unexpected locales. These elegant birds were observed as far north as the shores of Lake Michigan Beach to the heartland of Missouri and even Kansas. Once abundant on the Florida peninsula in flocks of thousands, they were nearly wiped out by plume hunters by the early 18th century, making sightings exceptionally rare. Bird-watchers and enthusiasts first witnessed flamingos descending from the skies as Hurricane Idalia approached Florida's west coast on Aug. 30th. Over the next four weeks, at least 150 American flamingos were reported in over four dozen locations across Florida.
Social media has been abuzz with excitement for months about these unexpected residents, igniting my curiosity and excitement. Motivated by the desire to see and photograph these beautiful birds, I resolved to pinpoint the whereabouts of one flock and planned a kayaking expedition for a photography session.
This photograph captures my initial scouting session on 2/3/2024, revealing four distant flamingos, mere dots, approximately 1.5 miles away from the shoreline off Haulover Canal.
Venturing out to the Big Bend near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Indian River Lagoon, I paddled my kayak to the remote Bird Island off the Haulover Canal at dawn.
‘Breaking Dawn’
With my kayak afloat and further from the shore, I was greeted by the sounds of intense thrashing and splashing, coupled with the sight of a fin protruding from the water. My heart raced, the suspenseful notes of the ‘Jaws’ theme playing in my head, momentarily convinced it was a shark. Frozen in my seat, relief washed over me when I realized it was a dolphin engaged in a pursuit of fish (Tarpon). Here are some captured moments:
As the sun began to emerge above the horizon, I found myself gliding past a flock of Cormorants. Suddenly, one by one, they gracefully took flight. Silhouetted against the warm glow of the sun—a moment etched in my memory.
Venturing further towards distant Bird Island, I reached its boundary and had my first encounter with the flamingo flock, also known as a "flamboyance." The scene was nothing short of mesmerizing—a splash of orange against the blue water as four flamingos engaged in their distinctive filter-feeding behavior. With heads swaying back and forth, they allowed water to flow through their bills, stomping their feet to stir up food from the bottom while dancing around in small circles. This was such a charming and unique feeding ritual to observe.
The lingering question: will they stay or leave? Their continued residence in Florida hinges on the availability of sufficient food and intact wetlands. Their movements and choices will unfold the narrative of their survival in this ever-changing landscape.
