In 2023, Florida experienced a pink wave: Hundreds of American Flamingos blew into Florida and across the United States on the winds of Hurricane Idalia. In a February 2024 survey, staff and birders around the Sunshine State counted more than 100 flamingos—giving hope that some of those blown off course in the storm had chosen to remain in Florida. In November, Mark Cook, PhD, of the South Florida Water Management District, spotted a flock 62 birds strong in Florida Bay.