Following Hurricane Idalia, a recent statewide survey recorded around 100 flamingos in Florida, including two in the Tampa Bay area.

These colorful birds were brought into the state by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend in August. While many have since returned to their native habitats in Cuba or the Yucatan Peninsula, others continue to search for suitable environments in Florida for feeding and nesting.

Despite their usual migratory patterns, at least 101 flamingos decided to stay in the state, according to Jerry Lorenz, research director for Audubon Florida. The number was higher than scientists had anticipated, signaling a potential revival of flamingos in Florida. “Most of them likely returned to the Yucatan,” Lorenz noted. “But I’m thrilled that 100 flamingos remained. It’s remarkable.”

The largest group, comprising over 50 birds, was seen in Florida Bay and the Everglades. These regions were once historical habitats for flamingos before the feather trade and habitat destruction dramatically reduced their populations.

Elsewhere, 18 flamingos were spotted near Fort Myers in the Pine Island area, and 14 were counted at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Cape Canaveral.

“With renewed efforts to preserve our wild areas, especially wetlands, these birds could find new habitats in more locations,” Lorenz said. “The warming climate in the state may also enable them to expand further up the coast.”

In the Tampa Bay area, the two flamingos spotted could potentially establish a new colony.

Over 40 individuals participated in the survey, which was part of a larger effort by the Caribbean Flamingo Conservation Group to monitor the bird species across its range from Feb. 18-25. These findings provide critical insights into flamingo distribution and migration patterns, offering researchers a valuable perspective on how environmental factors like hurricanes impact their movement and habitat choices.