AUDUBON FLORIDA

The oldest Roseate Spoonbill ever recorded was found in Florida Bay this spring. The spoonbill, banded by Audubon Florida Director of Research Jerry Lorenz, PhD, in 2003, is now more than 18 years old. The previous record for longevity in the wild for this species? 16 years. Conservation photographer Mac Stone, on assignment with Audubon, photographed the banded bird.

“This spoonbill has seen a lot in its almost two decades on Florida Bay – algae blooms, hypersalinity, and sea grass die-offs. But, it has also seen positive outcomes from Everglades restoration, including increased freshwater to Florida Bay. This spoonbill tells us that despite the hardships, nature is resilient and when we give her a chance – she can bounce back,” says Kelly Cox, Director of Everglades Policy, Audubon Florida.

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