We all deserve a change of scenery from time to time. Well, it seems that even if humans don’t take this golden phrase seriously, at least flamingos are involved. For the first time in a century, flamingos were seen in Florida as their pink wings added a bit of color to the beaches.
This unexpected sighting was possible because the birds were blown off course by the powerful winds of Hurricane Idalia.
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- Flamingos arrive in Florida after Hurricane Idalia
- The sudden change seemed to have no effect on the birds
Flamingos arrive in Florida after Hurricane Idalia
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Florida authorities have reported rare sightings of these wandering birds in several natural waterways across the Sunshine State in the days following Hurricane Idalia’s impact. To add to the surprise, these sightings have extended as far north as Pennsylvania and as far west as Texas, according to reports that came to light this week.
When Hurricane Idalia initially loomed over Central America as a low-pressure trench, it is estimated that the flamingos were flown from their native Mexico and Cuba to Florida. The storm then continued its path north toward the southeastern United States.
RARE FLORIDA FLAMINGOS! 🦩🌴They continue to appear throughout the Gulf, including here on Treasure Island. They were brought from Cuba after the hurricane. #Idalia. Keep an eye out this weekend if you go to the beach, you might be lucky enough to see some! Credit:… pic.twitter.com/JjGBdqkkTu
-Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWINK) September 1, 2023
According to the environmental group Audubon Florida, “Hurricane Idalia likely ‘captured’ individual flamingos and small flocks from these regions, bringing them to Florida with strong storm winds.”
The sudden change seemed to have no effect on the birds
The sudden change in the birds’ environment did not appear to have any special effects on the flamingos. The powerful clicks of these vibrant birds, apparently at home in the tropical climate and crystal clear waters of Florida, a space they have not inhabited for a century.
Florida, once a sanctuary for these birds, saw a significant change in its fate in the early 1800s, when fashion trends of the time began to favor feathers. For centuries to come, flamingos were brought to the brink of extinction by relentless hunting for their vibrant feathers, which were sought after as showy additions to women’s hats, according to Audubon officials.
The tragic drainage of the Everglades in the 20th century worsened the already dire situation, forcing the remaining birds to seek refuge in southern regions.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn