As a professional photographer who also photographs wildlife, one of the most asked questions I get is, “Are there still wild flamingos in Florida?”. My usual answer is, “Yes, but not for a while.” Now – at least for a little while – I can answer with a solid, “Yes! At the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge!”
A Flamboyance of Flamingos
The sighting of American Flamingos at Merritt Island has sparked excitement among birders, photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. I drove out there last week in hopes to get a few shots of the small flamboyance (what a flock of flamingos is called) of the pink birds. When I found them they were about 500 yards away; too far for any good photos. So, I drove back out the next morning with my inflatable boat and rowed out to where the four flamingos were hanging out with the White and Brown Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Black Skimmers and a multitude of other birds.
Fotographing Flamingos
Bringing my trusty 600mm lens with me so that I wouldn’t have to paddle too close and inadvertently spook them, I started taking photos of them in the beautiful morning sun. Though I’ve seen them in captivity, this was my first time seeing flamingos in the wild. I literally had to force myself to remember to take photos as I was easily caught up in just watching these magnificent birds.
Thank You Idalia
Supposedly blown in from the south by Hurricane Idalia, flamingos are actually native to the southern region of the state of Florida and the Florida Keys, but the storm gave us an early Christmas present and brought them to the central and northern parts of Florida.
Temporary Flamingo Haven
While American flamingos are widely distributed throughout the Caribbean, their breeding populations can be found in countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Bahamas. They are generally non-migratory but have been observed to fly long distances in search of food or reproductive opportunities. Now the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has transformed into a temporary haven for the displaced longnecks. This sanctuary provides an optimal environment for the birds to feed and perch, courtesy of its diverse ecosystem, which includes marshes, wetlands, and coastal dunes. The varied landscape of Merritt Island offers numerous opportunities for the flamingos to find sustenance and rest.
Go See Some Flamingos!
If you get the chance, I encourage you to go see them, take some photos and just watch them as they mingle with Florida’s other beautiful birds. Currently they are located near the small island at the end of the Haulover Canal Kayak launch. If you row out there, be responsible and don’t get too close. They might fly away, and there’s also a chance that FWC could cite you for disturbing our pink visitors!
Note on the Haulover Bridge Closure: According to the MINW site, The Haulover Canal Bridge will remain closed to road traffic from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily through December 17, 2023. The bridge will be open to road traffic afternoon/evenings from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. through December 17.
