File:Flamingos in Everglades.jpg

English: Flamingos have been exceptionally rare in Florida over the past hundred years or more, mainly due to hunting for their plumes and meat, but also due to significant habitat loss from the development of mangrove forests and coastal flats. If you are looking for flamingos in the park, even with the current activity resulting from the hurricane, please note that chances for a sighting are rare with the greatest possibility on the coastal waters, rather than from the visitor centers or walking trails.

The birds are very easily disturbed by people, so if you come across them, please keep your distance. The birds seen around Florida and north have traveled a long way, a stressful endeavor, and need time to rest and forage without disturbance.

NPS Photo by Peter Zarba

Photo: A flamboyance of flamingos stand in shallow water under a blue sky and mangroves are in the background.