Flamingos In The Midwest? Thanks To Hurricane Idalia, Midwest Sees New Flamboyant 'Pink Wave'

A sudden splash of pink is surprising residents across the Midwest as flamingos, dislocated by Hurricane Idalia, are spotted as far north as Wisconsin.

Citing several reports, Insider reported that enclaves of flamingos have been sighted in two different lakes in Wisconsin. But the phenomenon isn’t confined to Wisconsin alone. Bird enthusiasts in as many as 15 states, stretching from Florida to Texas and Kansas, have reported unusual flamingo sightings.

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The mass exodus began at the end of August when large numbers of flamingos were seen descending from the clouds in western Florida due to Hurricane Idalia. 

Jerry Lorenz, state director of research for Audubon Florida, explained that the flamingos “came in on the storm, whether they wanted to or not,” riding outer rainbands until they made landfall.

Lorenz warned that the “pink wave” might not last much longer, with many flamingos already returning to their southern habitats. Birdwatchers in the affected states are encouraged to seize this rare opportunity while it lasts.

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Image by Valdiney Pimenta on Flickr