MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Hurricane Ian caused devastation across the state of Florida in 2022. And while nobody will forget, the storm did bring something unexpected and not normally seen to east Central Florida.

Some 25 flamingos are now calling Merritt Island their permanent home.

Photographer Pat Lindsey often takes her own kayak to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to take pictures of the flamingos.

“I do it because people enjoy my pictures and they enjoy seeing the birds and nature,” said Lindsey, as she snapped photos while balancing on her kayak.

The 74-year-old woman shares her wildlife photos on social media for everyone to see.

“They are out here. Quite a bit and most of the time. But not always because they can fly. And sometimes you see them flying over Merritt Island,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey and others said they believe the colorful birds have made Rookery Island near the Haulover Canal their permanent home.

Cocoa Kayaking guide Logan Montague, who takes guests to see the flamingos and other wildlife, was the first to report about the birds on social media.

“So, we kind of followed the direction that they went. So, they landed out there on the island, so went out there, and sure enough, there they were there,” Montague said.

Cocoa Kayaking is located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and guides can take you to see the flamingos and other animals.

Follow the signs to the Haulover Canal area.

The refuge is also home to hundreds of manatees, many of which visitors can often see from shore. 

Dolphins are abundant there, and since it’s spring, it’s horseshoe crab season, when thousands of the creatures crawl to shore.