Rare Flamingo Sightings Continue in San Diego Bay
– Bird watchers in San Diego’s South Bay region are continuing to spot a pair of flamingos, a rare occurrence for the area. The birds, affectionately known as Floyd and Flo, have been frequenting the coastline for approximately six years, bringing a splash of pink to the local wildlife.
A recent sighting, reported today by a local bird enthusiast, confirms the continued presence of the flamingos in the estuary near the Silver Strand. The sighting underscores the ongoing fascination with these non-native birds and their ability to thrive in an environment far removed from their typical habitats.
Flamingos are not native to San Diego, with their natural ranges extending to the Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula, and South America. The presence of Floyd and Flo is believed to be the result of their being escapees from a private collection, rather than originating from any zoological institution in the region.
Floyd is believed to have arrived in the area as early as , and was identified with a band on one leg, suggesting a history of captivity. Both birds are sizable, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with wingspans reaching 3.5 feet. They sustain themselves by feeding on local algae, brine shrimp, and other small invertebrates, which contribute to the vibrant pink hue of their feathers.
The marshlands at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge have proven to be a reliable food source for the flamingos, as the refuge has been carefully restored to support various migratory and endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has welcomed the birds, and local residents have even organized gatherings in their honor.
Spotting the flamingos can be challenging, as they often reside in areas closed to the public to protect other local seabirds. However, sightings have been reported along the Bayshore Bikeway and the Bayside Birding and Walking Trail in Imperial Beach.
While some locals have expressed hope for the establishment of a flamingo family, experts believe that breeding in the wild is unlikely, given the specific environmental conditions required for successful reproduction in their native habitats.
The story of Floyd and Flo echoes a similar incident from , when the Coronado Marriott Hotel housed twelve flamingos to greet guests. By , that number had dwindled to nine, and today only six of the original flamingos remain. The hotel’s General Manager noted that some were lost to coyotes, but the remaining birds continue to enjoy the freedom to fly.
The continued presence of these unusual visitors highlights the San Diego Bay’s role as a critical refuge for avian life, even in a heavily developed region. As one observer noted, the sightings are “super cool to know they’re out and about around here.” The same habitats that support these rare flamingos also sustain migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and endangered species year-round.
