We know the bad-news reel gets old. It’s good to stop and remember what we’re working so hard to protect. Here’s your dose of Everglades zen.
Coming in Hot
November to March, keep your eyes peeled for the pink and gold that signals peak breeding season in the Everglades for this particularly eye-catching species. On a background more well-known for its greens, browns, and blues, the bizarre pop of pink that is the Rooseate Spoonbill may seem out of place, but these wading birds are just as much at home here as the others.
Scientists look to the number of wading birds as an indicator of the overall health of the ecosystem. High water levels in the 2019-2020 nesting season were bad news for the Rosies in Florida Bay who require dry-down conditions to successfully hunt for food to feed their chicks. This year’s drier-than-average winter conditions may be a sign of better days ahead. Here’s hoping.
Spoonbill Hotspots: Birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of Rooseate Spoonbills should look to popular foraging grounds in Everglades National Park including Mrazek Pond, Eco Pond, and Snake Bight.
This image was shared with us by a Friend of the Everglades. Have an Everglades moment of zen worth sharing? Email us at info@everglades.org.
