Today, Audubon Florida released their summary of the annual South Florida Wading Bird Report.
System-wide wading bird nesting in 2022 and 2023 was significantly lower compared to the exceptional highs of 2018 and 2021. However, 2022-2023 levels still demonstrate a steady increase in wading bird nesting in the Everglades — a result of ongoing restoration efforts.
A healthy Everglades ecosystem is resilient and capable of supporting exceptionally large populations of nesting wading birds. When conditions are right, the birds are ready. Although water level conditions in 2022 and 2023 were less ideal, the 52,532 and 46,174 nests recorded in those years were more than double those from 1999, a year once considered "exceptional" due to ideal foraging conditions. This demonstrates significant progress since the 1990s, likely driven by the completion of key projects under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and better water management practices.
“The birds tell us that we have made progress on Everglades restoration, but we can’t take our foot off the gas pedal,” says Audubon Everglades Policy Director Kelly Cox. “We need to keep these historic levels of funding for restoration to continue to create a more resilient future for both birds and people in South Florida."
This report goes through results and policy recommendations for regions across the Greater Everglades ecosystem. It was produced in March 2025 by Audubon Florida in collaboration with South Florida Water Management District, University of Florida, Everglades National Park, National Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Holey Land Wildlife Management Area, Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve, Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach County, Florida State Parks, and Texas A&M University.
Read Audubon’s report summary here, and the South Florida Water Management District’s report here.
Audubon Florida protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1900, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at Fl.Audubon.org.