Roseate spoonbills are the “pink canaries in the coal mine” for the health of the Everglades as Dr Jerry Lorenz says. Their unique ecosystem requirements and nesting success rates have given scientists important data for many decades. Now, thanks to a well-placed camera as part of a new monitoring protocol, we have learned something new. This spoonbill, photographed on the Black Betsy Keys, relieved its partner after returning from foraging. When I looked closer at my images, I noticed it was wearing a band so I scrolled through the 1,500+ photos until finding a couple where it was legible: #78. I sent it to Dr. Lorenz and he confirmed this bird was banded 5 miles away on Frank Key in 2003, making it the oldest known spoonbill to live in the wild. We knew these birds were resilient, but this feels different. Despite all the challenges these birds face trying to survive in the Bay, this one has stoically stayed for 18 years, and year after year it has tried to raise its young amidst hurricanes, algae blooms, rising seas and faulty water management schemes. I’m inspired by this spoonbill’s determination and I hope it motivates us all to continue to fight for a restored Everglades. To read the full story visit: https://www.audubon.org/news/oldest-known-roseate-spoonbill-identified-thanks-lucky-photograph