Heading for the Sunshine State and hoping to see some wild flamingos in their natural habitat? You may be in luck. For many years, wild flamingo sightings in the state were virtually nonexistent. However, following Hurricane Idalia in 2003, over 100 wild flamingos have been spotted!
Although sightings can be few and far between, there are select locations scattered throughout the state where you've got decent chances of seeing wild flamingos in Florida. If you're based on Anna Maria Island, you may have to travel a bit in order to catch a glimpse of Florida flamingos.
Since wild flamingo sightings can be rare, we've also included some nearby locations where you can espy another bird with striking pink plumage - the Roseate Spoonbill. Happy birdwatching!
About Flamingo Conservation and Advocacy
Photo Credit: Brian K Harris
In 2024, Florida came close to designating the flamingo as its state bird in an effort to raise awareness of their native status and to encourage conservation. Although the legislation didn't pass, advocates like Dr. Steven Whitfield of the Audubon Society continue to push for their recognition. Flamingos once bred in Florida, and with ongoing conservation efforts, they might again someday!
1. Estero Bay Preserve State Park (Winkler Point)
Photo Credit: Ron Patla
- Winkler Point Entrance: 17981 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL
- Approximately 2 hours from AMI
For a serene spot that is a mecca for wading birds, head to Winkler Point in Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Only two hours away from Anna Maria Island, Estero Bay Preserve State Park is home to a number of wild plant and animal species indigenous to Florida. There are two entrances to the park; be sure to utilize the Winkler Point Entrance.
In addition to potential flamingo sightings, you can enjoy natural trails that traverse the uplands of the area, but they're prone to seasonal flooding, so be sure to check the local weather conditions before embarking on your journey.
2. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Photo Credit: SR Productions
- Naples, FL
- Approximately 2.5-3 hours from AMI
The marsh trail and observation tower at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide the best chances of espying these majestic pink birds. While you may not see a large flock, there's the possibility of catching a glimpse of one or two!
You can reach the viewing points by following the 2.2 mile circuit, which is a combination of gravel and pavement. The observation tower has two levels; only the first level is handicapped accessible. The other preferred viewing option is to take a boat out and explore. Look for flamingos in the shallow waters.
Other special sightings you might encounter here include both green and loggerhead sea turtles, as well as manatees.
3. Stormwater Treatment Area 2 (STA2)
Photo Credit: Kevin Maharrey
- Palm Beach County, FL
- Approximately 3 hours from AMI
Although the name might not sound like a place you'd expect to go birdwatching, STA2 is a protected area in West Palm Beach known for its flamingo sightings, particularly since the 2023 hurricane. Stormwater treatment areas (STAs) are man-made wetlands that use plants to extract certain nutrients, such as phosphorus, from the water. The plants then turn the water into peat. The main purpose of these STAs is to protect the Everglades and keep the phosphorus levels stable.
You can visit STA2 for guided tours, alligator and waterfowl hunting, and, of course, the prospect of that elusive flock of flamingos. For some reason unknown to scientists, the flamingos only visit STA2 in the spring. They are unsure of their origin or where they return to after the season.
4. Snake Bight (Everglades National Park)
Photo Credit: nps.gov
- Homestead, FL
- Approximately 4 hours from AMI
Don't be alarmed by its name - a bight is simply a bay within a larger bay. Located within the greater Florida Bay, Snake Bight is a few miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center and is one of the most popular places where you can see wild flamingos in Florida. American flamingos have been spotted here as recently as November 2024, and in great(ish) numbers; more than 60 of these majestic birds were spotted off Gibby Point, a subset of Snake Bight.
Snake Bight is currently not undergoing maintenance due to potential damage to another species' habitat - the Cape Sable Thoroughwort. Although the area is not maintained, the trails are still open. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes due to the unpredictable terrain.
5. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Haulover Canal)
Photo Credit: Steve Meese
- 1963 Refuge Headquarters Road, Titusville, FL
- Approximately 4.5 hours from AMI
Since 2023 and the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, there have been numerous flamingo sightings at the kayak launch near Haulover Canal in Merritt Island NWR, east of Orlando. Right by the small island at the end of the kayak launch, you may be able to spot a flamingo (or several!) wading in the shallow waters.
While visiting Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve, you can also enjoy various educational and immersive experiences, such as fishing, birdwatching, and seasonal hunting.
6. Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
Photo Credit: Blueee77
- 100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL
- Approximately 4.5 hours from AMI
OK, hear us out. While you're likely to spot flamingos here, they are only semi-wild. The original flock of birds here was originally imported in the 1930s from Cuba. The existing colony has grown and was both hatched and born at the race track. Although these flamingos are not completely wild, it's a guaranteed viewing and a super fun experience.
While you're visiting, you can also enjoy the races, casinos, on-site restaurants, and other types of entertainment. Hialeah isn't a popular tourist destination in its own right, but it's located just six miles from Miami-Dade International Airport.
7. Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay
Photo Credit: Matthew Dillon via Flickr CC2.0
- Miami, FL
- Approximately 4.5 hours from AMI
Late in 2024, there were sightings of pink flamingos flying overhead at Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay in South Florida. There have not been many ground sightings, but the mere presence of them flying overhead is giving hope to locals that they may return to the area in larger numbers to breed and establish colonies.
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
Photo Credit: Phillip Sunkel IV
- Key West, FL
- Approximately 7+ hours from AMI
In Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the world-famous Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico, flamingos are seen occasionally, meaning that during the highest season, they've been spotted one to five times. One to five times in a season may not seem like good chances, but the park itself is well worth a visit.
In addition to seeking out those enchanting pink plumes, visitors to Dry Tortugas can also expect to snorkel, birdwatch, kayak, scuba dive, and even go fishing. The reefs surrounding the archipelago are among the least touched in the Keys, so you can imagine the wildlife you'll see!
9. Robinson Preserve
Photo Credit: Ken Schulze
- 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL
- 15 minutes from AMI
Are you hoping to see some fluffy pink feathers but don't want to venture too far from AMI? Hop over to Bradenton to Robinson Preserve, and you'll have plenty of chances to see the Roseate Spoonbill, an adorably pink and puffy bird that resides here.
Wild Flamingo Viewing Tips
Photo Credit: dmitro2009
- Keep Your Distance: According to Jerry Lorenz of Audubon Florida, if the flamingo is aware of you (shuffling its feet or moving), you're too close. Maintain at least 200 feet of space to avoid disturbing them.
- Go Early or Late: Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch flamingos feeding in shallow waters.
- Use the Right Tools: Bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens for a closer view without disturbing the birds.
- Check Real-Time Sightings: Use eBird Alerts to track recent flamingo locations.
- Be Patient: Flamingos are known to be shy and elusive, so plan to be patient and spend some time in their habitat to increase your chances of seeing one.
Are You Ready to Go Flamingo-Spotting in Florida?
While seeing wild flamingos in Florida is a rare occurrence, it is possible! The spots we've listed provide you with the greatest likelihood of seeing these beauties in their natural habitats. If you're staying on Anna Maria Island, you'll be delighted to discover that you can take a ten minute drive to Robinson Preserve to see the Roseate Spoonbill if you aren't up for making a longer drive.
Have you booked your accommodations yet? Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals offers vacation rentals in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Longboat Key. Get in touch with us today to start planning your flamingo festivities!
