What happened to the flamingos blown off course by Hurricane Idalia in 2023?

A rescued flamingo named Peaches was tracked back to its native breeding grounds in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Mexico in 2025, suggesting a potential comeback of the native Florida flamingo population.

How are Everglades restoration efforts related to the return of flamingos to Florida?

Experts believe that the ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades and coastal ecosystems are beginning to show progress, which may be facilitating the return of these iconic wading birds to the Sunshine State.

What evidence suggests that wild flamingos are increasing in Florida?

The scientist and his colleagues have observed increasing numbers of flamingos in Florida, including larger flocks, and have documented banded flamingos that originated from breeding grounds in Mexico, providing evidence that wild flamingos are starting to spend more time in the state.

Home / Environment / Rescued Flamingo's Incredible Journey Reveals Comeback of Native Florida Flock

Rescued Flamingo's Incredible Journey Reveals Comeback of Native Florida Flock

16 Oct

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Summary

Flamingos blown off course by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 found nesting in Mexico in 2025
Rescued flamingo named Peaches tracked back to native breeding grounds in Mexico
Everglades restoration efforts credited for potential return of flamingos to Florida

Rescued Flamingo's Incredible Journey Reveals Comeback of Native Florida Flock

In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia disrupted the migration of a flock of 300-400 flamingos, blowing them off course and depositing them across the eastern United States. This unexpected arrival of the vibrant birds caught the attention of an estuarine scientist who had spent over 35 years studying American flamingos in Florida.

One of the rescued flamingos, named Peaches, was outfitted with a GPS tracker and a bright blue band by the scientist and his colleagues. Sadly, the tracker failed a few days after Peaches was released back into the wild near Tampa Bay. However, in June 2025, the scientist received an email from colleagues in Mexico who had photographed Peaches, still wearing the distinctive blue band, nesting in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.