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Hurricane Idalia was instrumental in relocating groups of American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) from their Florida homes. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was one place that the long-legged birds ended up.

A stand of 11 birds – three bright pink adults and eight gray/white juveniles – have been sighted in various refuge locations. No one knows how long the flamingos will stay, stated USFWS. They are not normally migratory birds.

“The excitement to see these birds has gone well beyond just avid birders. It’s great to see so many people interested in and enjoying the refuge and wildlife,” stated USFWS. “Please keep in mind, like you would when observing any wildlife, keep your distance and don’t run or yell at these feathered visitors.”

Flamingo sightings are very rare in the Outer Banks area, but a few have been reported in the past. Check out our archive links below for some mentions:

Bottom of page: http://darecountynews.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=flamingo&i=f&d=01011935-12312009&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_coastland_times_usa_north_carolina_manteo_19691121_english_1&df=1&dt=7

Included in main article: http://darecountynews.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=flamingo&i=f&d=01011935-12312009&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_coastland_times_usa_north_carolina_manteo_19730320_english_3&df=1&dt=9

Lower left: http://darecountynews.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=flamingo&i=f&d=01011935-12312009&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_coastland_times_usa_north_carolina_manteo_19790125_english_10&df=1&dt=9

Mentioned in third column, second article: http://darecountynews.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=flamingo&i=f&d=01011935-12312009&m=between&ord=k1&fn=the_coastland_times_usa_north_carolina_manteo_19790227_english_6&df=1&dt=9

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