Exclusive: More than 100 American Flamingos counted in Florida

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(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Audubon Florida has revealed the numbers of flamingos in the state to WINK News, in advance of an official statement scheduled for later Monday.

The conservation group conducted a survey with the Caribbean Flamingo Conservation Group in February.

More than 40 people filled out the survey to record flamingo sightings.

Audubon Florida says in a press release that 101 wild American Flamingos were counted across Florida.

Several of whom have been seen in Southwest Florida.

Eighteen were counted in the Pine Island area, 14 at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The largest group of 50-plus was spotted in Florida Bay.

“We are thrilled that there are flamingos that have remained in Florida after being blown here in 2023 by Hurricane Idalia,” said Jerry Lorenz, PhD State Director of Research for Audubon Florida.

Lorenz said there could be more that were not counted during the one-week survey.

This effort was coordinated through the Florida Flamingo Working Group as part of a larger effort coordinated by the Caribbean Flamingo Conservation Group.

The press release also says that flamingos used to live and probably bred in Florida.

“Unfortunately, the 19th century plume trade — when an ounce of feathers was worth more than gold — decimated wading birds in South Florida,” says Audubon Florida in their release. “After, legislation and Audubon wardens protected these birds, extensive draining and ditching of the Everglades destroyed their habitat.”

Audubon Florida says they are “hopeful that protected wetlands and improved water flow will create enough habitat resources for the Hurricane Idalia Flamingos to survive and thrive here.”

Audubon Florida wants to remind you to give flamingos their space. “If you are affecting their movement or behavior, you are too close,” they said. “Use binoculars or a zoom lens to see the birds from a safe distance.”

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