Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - New Baby and Momma Sarabi
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - New Baby and Momma Sarabi
Heart melting little nugget who still has fetal bands from being scrunched up in Momma Sarabi who is also doing well! You can hear the baby breathing
Stay tuned for more tales!
Receiving support is a gift
Ahhhh, the perfect sunrise to calm the nervous system with a calm ocean and a beautiful color show, courtesy of the Sahara Dust.
As the sun came up, it was a soft pink that grew into a bight golden ball of ight filling the morning with warmth. The flock of gulls was getting squeaky clean as the sun came up while skimmers flew by carrying breakfast on the fly.
Pelican Highway cruised southbound over the waves reminding us to grab your wing person and enjoy the journey together.
A royal tern with bands flew in after sunrise to join the laughing gulls. She said, “My bands say I am from Georgia where I was in the hospital. I’m a reminder that receiving help is a gift. I highly recommend opening to receiving support, it makes the journey fell a little sweeter.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Royal Tern from Georgia
Skimmers flying above obis with breakfast on the fly
Dig deep and play
Mother Nature brought us a magical morning with a stunning sunrise and a baby dolphin playing with its momma in the waves!
The chatty flock was already at the edge of the ocean when I arrived. The reflection of the pink and purple clouds surrounding Venus was breathtaking. Then the dolphins started swimming by!
A baby and mom were rolling around in the waves snuggling. The baby had the zoomies, popping out of the water. Another couple dolphins played and surfed the waves in front of the sun.
I’ve been photographing the sunrise since 2017 and have never seen a flock of Ibis in the ocean at the start of the day. The ibis encourage us to dig in to find our goal. And the baby dolphin said, “When it feels hard, play!” A balance of the two will help you feel balanced too!
Wishing you a happy day!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Ps- check out newborn dolphin in previous post
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Please Welcome a New Baby!!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Please Welcome a New Baby!!
Over the last month, I’ve shared several posts about Sarabi, a female dolphin who has been spending a lot of time alone—and eating lots of mullet. Now we know why…
She had a baby!
I first met Momma Sarabi in April 2019 when her calf, Simba playfully made himself known by splashing my camera. He was definitely a male. Her second calf, Nala, arrived in the spring of 2023.
And today, I had the great honor of meeting her third calf since 2019.
Keeping with the Lion King theme, maybe this little one will be named Sarafina?
In some of the photos, you’ll notice the baby has faint stripes—these are called fetal bands. When babies are born they have lighter colored bands spanning their mid section. They’re caused by being curled up in the womb and typically slough off after multiple weeks.
What a joy to witness this new life in the Indian River lagoon!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Highlights from Shelley Lynch Photography
Good Morning!
The sunrise was gorgeous today, but my cameras had a mind of their own and decided to take the day off. Hopefully they choose to work tomorrow!
So instead, I thought it was the perfect moment to share a 60-second video that highlights who I am and what I do. Thank you all for your continued support and connection.
Drone footage is from Brent Eite with Focal Point Videography
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode Momma B Shows her Athleticism
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode Momma B Shows her Athleticism
This morning after sunrise, it was still overcast when Momma Bump and Momma D came into the lagoon with their kiddos.
While Momma D nursed her little one, Momma Bump who’s calf is older, enjoyed chasing mullet with a solo pelican. Check out the height Momma gets in the shallows.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Cloudy day sunrise
Yesterday, we enjoyed a cloudy pastel sunrise this morning. Enjoy a calming 70 second video showing the calm ocean, soft colors and flock of friends.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- I Never Thought It Would Be Like This
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- I Never Thought It Would Be Like This
If you're just tuning in, Tales From the Lagoon began after a powerful dream where I saw myself standing in the Indian River Lagoon—half in the water, half out—photographing orcas at sunset. That dream changed everything.
In February 2018, during a golden sunset, I stepped into the water with my camera and began photographing dolphins from the lagoon. It was the beginning of a journey that taught me more than I ever imagined.
Then came a turning point on November 14, 2019.
It was high tide, and the dolphins were having what I can only describe as a seaweed party. They were flying from the water with strands of seaweed draped over their rostrums, tossing it through the air with pure delight. Their playful energy was contagious. They were further out than I’d ever ventured, but something in me said go. So I waded into deeper waters, ready to capture the fun.
Before I knew it, the pod surrounded me—led by the very first momma dolphin I had ever met. They splashed, danced, and offered incredible photo opportunities as if they knew exactly what they were doing. It felt like a warm welcome, an invitation into their world.
Since that day, more dolphins have joined the story. Many seem to enjoy the lens, even striking poses that feel like pure collaboration. I truly believe they understand that together, we are spreading smiles and happiness.
I never knew I could feel this way, so honored, so very grateful.
This video is of 4 dolphins who I have known since 2019
Stay tuned for more tales!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
PS ~ Monday Sunrise is previous post
Go past the familiar to discover a new world
With Sahara dust arriving from the Sahara Desert in North Africa, the sunrise was extra beautiful. The calm ocean glistened with the various pastel colors making it easy to spot the dolphins searching for breakfast.
When the sun came up mixing with the dust, the clouds and colors looked like we were transported to another world.
I was very excited when one came close to shore. I recognized it is the dolphin I call Razor! The authorities say the Indian River dolphin only venture on the Atlantic Ocean for day trips and the ocean dolphins stay in the ocean. So, seeing Razor enjoying a sunrise ocean swim was certainly a bonus!
Razor brings the message of exploring. He said, “Go ahead color outside the lines. Sometimes the best parts of life begin where the familiar ends. Be willing to step beyond your usual path—you might just discover a whole new world waiting for you.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
The dolphin I call Razor enjoying an ocean swim
Blessings from the sun
When my feet hit the sand, I saw a duck couple quietly watching the morning, patiently waiting for the sunrise. A flock of laughing gulls had already gathered, ready to greet the sun as it ushered in a new day.
The sun was the highlight of the morning—rising free of obstacles, shining bright, and filling the morning with light.
The sun said, “I bring the energy of life. Like the gulls surrounding my glow, be open to receiving the energy I offer. Relax, take a deep breath, and let my divine power fill every cell with ease.”
The duck couple gently added, “Take time out from the from the daily paddle. Enjoy a walk in nature and soak up the beauty around you.”
The house finch added, “I am a symbol of vitality and health. I highly recommend soaking up the sunbeams to add to your light and improve your well-being.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Open hearts and wings to soak up the light
Duck Couple
House Finch
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Snuggles and Talking
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Snuggles and Talking
In this video Cutter, M, Jasper and Daniko, the older males are with a few younger dolphins socializing. Listen for it…I think that is a dolphin communicating.
Stay tuned for more tales!
After a storm comes a rainbow
We are having rain and stormy sunrise. These photos re from Thursday night.
WOW! What a wild 2 hours!
Dark clouds, rain, thunder and lightning passed through fast. As it left, the sun came up just in time to set and give us a beautiful double rainbow. These are iphone photos, the rainbow was too large to capture with my wide angle lens.
Let go to feel lighter, trust the rhythms of life
Mother Nature used the swirl paint brush today, painting the sly with soft colors mixed with the clouds.
When the sun rose it brought a beautiful golden glow lighting up the perfect waves calling the surfers once again to come play.
A sunrise walker returning a stranded sand dollar brings one of the messages today. The sand Dollar said, “I have many meanings! I am here to remind you of your inner strength and to trust the natural rhythms of life. Remember you are adaptable, flexible and supported.”
A few egrets were feeding in the shallow tide pool. One of the egrets looked at the camera, took a deep breath, pooped then took off showing her gorgeous reflection.
She said, “It’s true when you let go it helps you feel lighter, allowing your inner beauty to shine on the outside.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Sand Dollar delivered back to the ocean by a Shineadoor- someone spreading the light
Take a deep breath and let go
After letting go, your inner beauty will shine outward
Open wings as you lean in
Ahhhhh, another calm ocean morning brining us a serene start to the day. The chatty flock was waiting when I reached the edge of the ocean. A pink sky reflected on the tide pool, doubling the beauty.
A flock of egrets danced int he waves grabbing breakfast while Pelican Highway stopped often to grab breakfast. The two came together to bring us the message today.
“Here is our secret and super power. Rest deeper into your legs to be present in the moment. Then, open your wings and heart as you lean in to grab your goal. One step at a time, you got this “
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
egret
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Family Day
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Family Day
In this 30-second video, a dolphin comes in close for a mullet snack, followed by three curious pelicans trailing behind. Later in the day, more dolphins joined the pod for a bite to eat and a quick snuggle session.
Keep an eye out near the end—you’ll see the calf pop out of the the snuggle fest!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Enjoy the ride
The pre sunrise sky filled with swirly pink ethereal kind of clouds next to a cloud wall lit with flashes of lightning.
First light illuminated the calm ocean with a silver sheen, making it easy to spot the dolphins having breakfast.
Perfect waves rolled toward shore calling the surfers and the dolphins to come play. The dolphins said, “Let the waves carry you. Whether it is is grief, play or trusting the timing, waves will come and go, enjoy the ride.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Male Dolphin Play Time
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Male Dolphin Play Time
The day began peacefully with a mother dolphin and her calf, who lingered for about an hour.
When Cutter, a playful male, arrived, the mom and little one gracefully swam off. Not long after, M, Charley, and another male joined Cutter, and the pod of bachelors stayed together for several hours.
Cutter is quite the flirt. He’s often the first to roll onto his side, inviting snuggles and playful interactions with the group. Today, he was especially charming—popping up to say hello and gliding by closely on his way to snag a fish.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Cutter saying, How you doin’
Cutter
The Boys
M grabbing a mullet
Listen to feel safe
As soon as my feet touched the sand, I looked up and saw a cloud shaped like an angel. Nearby, the waning moon and Venus glowed softly, cradled by pink, delicate clouds.
As the sun began to rise, it emerged from behind swirly, ethereal clouds. A golden glow spread across the sky, filling the morning air with warmth and light.
After sunrise, I ran into Pete Rabbit again.I smiled and said, “My, what big ears you have!”He replied, “They help me tune in to my surroundings. Listening is an important part of staying safe.”
Not long after, I noticed a teeny box turtle slowly crossing the sidewalk.She looked up and said, “Like the rabbit, I know when to freeze. I use my intuition to sense when it’s time to hide in my shell for safety. It’s just temporary—when I feel better, I’ll come out and move forward.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tune into your heart and feel your way
Ahhhhhhhh, another serene and beautiful sunrise using every color in the crayon box. The ocean was calm looking more like Lake Atlantic.
The waning moon was high in the sky near Venus, both surrounded by soft, cozy pink clouds. As the sun came up, the color show changed around it filling the sky with heat and beauty.
After sunrise, a momma duck and her kiddos were swimming in the lagoon. They said, “We are here to remind you of your inner wisdom. You have a super power inside you helping you to know when to paddle and when to fly. Tune into your heart and feel your way.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Let go of fear and receive the abundance
The morning was full of beauty and wildlife! At first light the waning moon and Venus were bright in the sky above the pink ethereal sky art. The flock flew in while dolphins grabbed breakfast in the waves, and that was all before the sun came up!
When the sun rose on the horizon it came up unencumbered kissing the ocean before leaving of the day. 3 pelicans veered off Pelican Highway landing on the wet sand posing like Charlie’s Angels.
After sunrise I looked for the bobcat but found a curious bunny! He was curious and as you can see, adorable.
He said, ‘I’m a messenger of abundance, fertility and luck! I’m a reminder to let go of fear and stay open to opportunities of all kinds coming to you. Sometimes you might hop forward and other times you might stop and smell the roses, trust your instincts, they will guide you.”
Wishing you a hopping good day!
Charlie’s Angles Pelican style
Dolphin on right side of wave- decided not to ride this one.
