Tales from the lagoon ~Episode - Quality time with Uncle Larry and Jagger
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Quality Time with Uncle Larry and Jagger
The day started with 2 dolphins, Uncle Larry and Jagger. Uncle Larry is the dolphin with the number 968 on his dorsal fin. If you are just tuning in, I was able to find out from a friend that Larry is a male dolphin and was part of a health assessment in 2004. The researcher thought Larry was approximately 25 at that time which makes him 43 now!
This is the first time I have seen Uncle Larry without a maternity pod, a pod of moms and their calves. Jagger got his name from his jagged dorsal fin.
Today, he and Jagger were enjoying their day off from watching the kids. They were having a great time together, lots of love, play and fishing. They spent more time just hanging out together than chasing fish. Their friendship and connection was palpable. They spent more time being together than chasing fish.
After a couple hours they left and a few more pod of dolphin came in to grab snacks.
Pip and Patches the Pelican duo visited too. Pip was showing off his diving skills! And of course, Luna and Skylar, the ospreys were actively grabbing fish. More from these 4 characters tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS~. Patches the pelican is in the previous post- she is friends with Pip and very cute.
Uncle Larry
Jagger
Uncle Larry
Fish Fly
Tales from the lagoon~ Episode- Introducing Patches the pelican
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Introducing Patches the Pelican
This week Patches has been coming to the lagoon with Pip the Pelican but she has also started coming on her own to hang out on Pip’s old pole with Spot the egret.
It’s been really nice getting to know her better. She is shy and curious. It’s fun to watch her explore and take in all the characters in the lagoon.
I think she is a girl because of her size and the size of her beak. I’ve heard the smaller beaks means it’s a girl and next to Pip she looks little.
Pip is a little different when he she is around, he acts more confident, more in charge. When it's just the two of us, he seems more vulnerable more open. I think he likes her.
Pip named her for the white patches on her head which means she is becoming mature. Pip said she is older than him which he likes because she has showed him how to catch fish and stuff older girls know how to do.
Stay tuned for more from Luna, Skylar, a couple dolphins and of course Pip.
Utilize resources around you
Weeeeeeeeee! The wind was whipping this morning. Along with high tide and a churning ocean, the vibe was lively. The flock of seagulls flew in hot and chatty. They used the wind to hang in place as the sun came up to greet the day.
Pelican Highway was also using the wind high in the sky. They were enjoying coasting in the thermals riding in circles allowing the wind to support their joyride. The seagulls and pelicans remind us to use the resources around us to support our journey.
After sunrise I spent some time with Luna the osprey. I asked her how she was and she lifted her foot to show her injured foot. She said, “It’s healing slowly. I’m still able to fish and stand for hours while I look for breakfast. I keep my focus on what is working to keep my spirits high.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Embrace your authentic self
As I walked to the beach, the almost new moon was high in the sky accompanied by a pink glow. A cool breeze was blowing the tops of the waves sending pink sparkles in the air.
The flock of seagulls flew in hot and spunky. They lifted up in front of the almost new moon saying, “This is a powerful new moon! You may feel the energy of it 3 before and after. New moons bring us the energy of a fresh start and each have a unique signature.”
“This new moon asks us to find balance and harmony with our authentic self. This moon asks us to ensure we are being true to ourselves as we move forward. This is a trait us seagulls have, you see we know how to meet our needs while being part of a flock.”
After sunrise a handsome squirrel was very engaging. He walked with me for 15 minutes stopping to show me his breakfast. At one point he put the nut in his mouth and let go with his hands saying, “Look at me! No hands!” When I got ready to leave he was high in a tree when I said, “I have to go little man.” He put his hand to his heart and looked right the camera bringing the message of love and connection.
He said, “Even a quick moment of connection can be powerful. Enjoy those little moments, they are the whip cream of life.”
Wishing you a day filled with love!
Look at me! No hands!
Paw to the heart
GO within to let go
The wind was whipping while the ocean churned. The vibe was energizing as the current pushed the water rushed toward he shore with intensity. The foam was blowing in the wind making beautiful art with the sweet light.
Pelican Highway traffic was flying southbound, taking time to enjoy coating in the thermals. They said, “We bring the message of finding the sweet spot of energy and let yourself glide, enjoying the quiet ride.”
The flock of seagulls and a solo sandpiper were waiting when I reached the beach. Piper was engaging and chatty. She brings us the message of going within.
She said, “The month of September is a good time to be reflective, look inside to pull out old patterns you no longer need. This will make space to bring in more love.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Find your unique song
With heavy rain just before sunrise the sunrise was very dramatic with more rain all around, huge fluffy clouds and a lovely pastel color show. The sun found a way to shine through bringing us warmth and hope for a new day.
The flock of squawking seagulls flew in for our regular bath time and connection. Pelican Highway traffic was light heading southbound.
On the way off the beach I ran into a very chatty mockingbird. She said, “I’m here to remind you to notice the fine details. Notice the messages that are in the back of you head trying to get your attention.”
“I’m also here to encourage finding your unique song. Sure I can copy other songs from various birds, I find it’s more fun to find my song and share it with others.”
Pip the pelican was I the lagoon after sunrise playing with a few sticks. He said, “Hi everyone! Always remember to take time to explore, learn and play.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Pretty Rain
Mockingbird
Pip the pelican
Support from our loved ones
Mother Nature brought us a sweet pastel sunrise with soft colors with a supportive vibe in the air. The waves rolled in with a velvety pink glow while the moon was illuminated in the blue sky.
Pelican Highway traffic was less today, lined up perfectly as they floated above the waves down the beach.
The flock of seagulls was very loud as they flew in sounded like dogs barking. One of them with her wings facing forward said, “Keep your wings pointed in the direction you want to go, then take a deep breath and relax into the moment. You see, this moment is creating your next moment so it’s important to slow down and savor the now.”
As the sun came up slightly behind a cloud I saw a bright male figure standing on the horizon. I felt like he was there for someone reading this. A lovely message of support and connection.
Wishing you a beautiful day feeling supported!
A man on the horizon
Acknowledge your feelings and let them float off
Mother Nature is enjoying the moody blues theme this week. A dark wall of clouds hung in the horizon when my feet his the beach. The ocean was calm until the sun creeped up to greet the day bringing the waves and Pelican Highway to life.
Pelican Highway was jamming with hundreds of birds coming in waves from the north. Lucky surfers were on the highway experiencing the wing span up close and personal.
Pelicans remind us to float through our emotions. They said, “Acknowledge what you feel then let them float off you so you can soar with the flock.”
After sunrise I was chatting with Luna the osprey when the Dolphin I call M popped up from under the dock, swam into the lagoon and grabbed a fish. He said, “I bring the message of expecting the unexpected. Be open to spontaneous moments of play!”
Wishing you a playful and beautiful day friends!
Trust your intuition with the unseen
With thick clouds and fog, the morning was dark with a moody blues color show. The salty fog added to the cozy and serene vibe.
The ocean was warm and clear making it easy to see the baby sharks swimming by looking for snacks.
The flock of seagulls flew in early loud and ready for bath time. One of the seagulls peeking through his wing brings us the message of reading between the lines.
He said, “Sometimes, you have to see between the lines to know what is real. Trust your intuition to know what is true with the unseen.”
Later, another gull flew up with his wings and heart open. The rest of the flock cheered in support, reminding us to flock together with encouragement.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Ease your grip, lean in
Ahhhhhh a sweet and salty moody bluesy kind of sunrise. Huge fluffy clouds with beautiful lighting lined the horizon. The flock of seagulls flew in for some bath time and connection. I really love this time together, it always feels special to be a part of their world.
Pelican Highway was jamming flying southbound with the beautiful golden glow behind them. The waves were catching the soft pastel light as they rolled toward shore.
Mikey the great egret was grabbing snacks after sunrise. I asked him about his fishing technique and he said, “I walk out onto the edge of the branch so I can lean into the water to grab the fish.”
“This technique takes trust in myself and the branch, as well as intense focus and patience. The most important part is to ease my grip on the branch, rather than a death grip. You see the lighter the grip the more stable I feel.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Focus amplifies
The sunrise felt and looked more like a winter with a moody blues color show. The sky reflected on the wet sand giving us an expansive feel.
The chatty flock of seagulls came flying in when it was still dark. I was very excited to see Peg the Seagull has returned from her trek up north. She is looking good and strong flying in her usual circle pattern then hanging in one spot.
I asked her how she stays so strong. She said, “I know where I put my focus gets amplified, so I embrace my strengths. I also rest into the moment. I find slowing it down, savoring this moment now gives me energy and joy.”
After sunrise I ran into Luna the Osprey grooming. She was also very chatty. She was going on about defending her territory with her voice. She reminds us to have boundaries that support our journey and safety.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Luna defending her territory
Tales from the lagoon ~Episode- Quality time with a solo dolphin int he splash zone
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Quality Time with a Solo Dolphin in the Splash Zone
The first dolphin who interacted with me in 2018 was a dolphin I call Happy Buddha. On a day in June it was just he and I in the lagoon. I was on the periphery observing when he started swimming toward me a couple times. I was new to the lagoon so I thought to myself, “I should move and give him space.” I heard in my head, “Don’t move, I’ll turn.” I thought well either I'm crazy or that dolphin just talked to me.
I decided to trust what I heard and stayed put. About a minute later he came flying in my direction really fast and turned a few feet in front of me with a fish. This was the first time I really felt like I was communicating with the dolphins.
This week on Monday, when the dolphin I call M started to play with the camera I decided to trust again and try something new. I decided not to turn away when the he was close like I usually do to avoid getting wet. I don’t have a housing for my camera so it’s a bit of a risk, as you can see they can put up quite a wake.
I tried a few other things this day. When I swam with dolphins in the past I learned they will match your behavior like a mirror. So I tried turning in the water in a circle and moving in different playful ways. Within minutes he seems to be matching me with turns as he went under or circling. Wow! What an experience.
The first photo was of M just a few feet away. When I saw his eye, it was a powerful experience to say the least. He circled around tossing up his fish with a very playful energy.
More from M and his buddy Charley coming soon so stay tuned for more tales!
Something about this photo makes it my new favorite. The eye and powerful connection was a bit mind blowing
Tales from the lagoon ~episode-An invitation from a momma dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Getting to know a Momma with a Split Dorsal Fin
I’ve seen this momma with a split dorsal fin for several months now. She has a calf with her which is how I know she is a mom. Until yesterday we haven’t spent much time together, so when she came into the lagoon, I stayed on the periphery to give her space.
After about 15 minutes she swam over to me and circled a few feet away. I said, “Hello Momma! Thank you for the invitation to connect.” My camera battery was dying so I did a quick change and when I got back in the water, with her permission, I stood closer to the docks where they sometimes grab fish.
A few minutes later she came up again and swam by. I greeted her again and said Hi Momma! Thank you for connecting.
She came over again jumped out of the water then while keeping head up for about a minute swam over to me with her fish showing off her teeth and fish. Much to my surprise her calf popped up next to her.
Her injury is most likely from a boat strike. Many people think dolphins don't get hit by boats, but if they are chasing a baby they can be hit and I've heard if they are immersed in romance they may be distracted and hit by a boat.
Baby dolphins can't echolocate right away which is why they are usually with several dolphins. It's a lot like a toddler who is learning to walk and running all over the house putting fingers in light sockets. Chasing the baby dolphins is like chasing a toddler and can sometimes put them in harms way.
Despite her injury, she is a great fishergirl and very athletic. She is a sweet mom too always close to her calf, is patient and affectionate. Truly an honor to get to know this beautiful mom.
Stayed tuned for more tales!
momma got a fish and brought it over for me to photograph
Can you hear her saying, “Are you getting this?”
Momma with her calf on her left saying, “Did you get the pics?”
Play increases endorphins
Catch a wave and you are sitting on top of the world!
The sunrise felt as if a hint of fall was in the air with a cool breeze and a moody blues sky. The came up behind the clouds staying hidden but bringing us a golden glow illumination the waves as they rolled toward shore.
Surfers were having another great day! They continue to show what it looks like to surrender to the waves, harnessing the energy with open hearts. The joy on their faces was infectious, I couldn’t help but smile watching them play.
After sunrise 2 of my favorite dolphins came in for some play and snacks. They added to the surfer message of play. They said, “Even a few minutes of play can add to the joy in your life. Playing and smiling increases endorphins shifting our moods.”
Wishing you a playful day!
Wide open
Surrender
Mother Nature took my breath away when my feet hit the sand and I saw the pink rays of light jetting in to the sky. WOW! It was stunning and instantly made my heart expand.
The flock of seagulls were waiting when I reached the edge of the shore. They were chatty and playful although with the current being so strong they cut bath time short.
What a fun morning watching the surfers play in the waves with wild abandon. I was so inspired by their willingness to completely surrender to the waves, leaning in and allowing the ride to unfold.
I snapped a photo of just the hand of a surfer sticking out of the rough water. I imagine many of us have felt like that at one point in life. It’s true life can feel intense, the the good news is the water eventually recedes and we are able to catch our breath, get clarity and keep swimming.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
How life feels when it is overwhelming. Not to worry the surfer is fine. :)
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Meet the locals
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Meet the Locals
The lagoon has a wonderful and diverse eco system with year round residents as well as visitors.
Here are a few of the regulars…
Skylar the osprey hangs out to my right and Luna the osprey hangs out on my left on her boat. Yup, she thinks she owns it. They are both females, love to be in charge, and squawk in unison when any bird attempts to enter their air space.
Pip the pelican is doing great after having sheepshead fillet stuck in his gullet. Since the hoomans helped him get free he has made the lagoon his home. He is very sweet and sensitive, loves to take walks, is kind to all wildlife unless they push him, then he can assert himself. He really has a tender heart which is something you wouldn’t normally say about a pelican.
Sometimes Pip hangs out with Patches the Pelican. She was named for the white patches on her head. Her body and beak are smaller which makes me think she is a female. She is shy, curious and loves fish. She follows Pip’s lead when they are together.
Mikey the great egret was named by my fisherman friend Donny. Mikey has been around the longest. He is friendly, likes long walks on the docks, and fishing with friends. He has a boo boo above his left eye. He said, “I think it is healing because I want to itch is a lot.” He showed me where he has been scratching and it looks like he knows not to scratch his eye.
Spot is a gregarious, very chatty egret. He doesn’t like to be ignored and will let you know with a noise that sounds more like a bark than a bird. He enjoys Pip and Mikey’s company. He follows the fisher people down the docks with the hope of grabbing snacks.
Stay tuned for more dolphin tales coming soon!
Pip and Patches
Luna the Osprey
Luna showing off her one foot strength
Spot followed me into the pool, he thought he might find a fish. :)
Mikey the great egret showing me where the boo boo itches.
Can you feel him talking? He is so expressive. Pip the pelican
Joyful connections make life sweeter
Ahhhhhh another beautiful day in paradise. Mother Nature used her pink rays of light paint brush at first light. Once again, huge waves rolled in calling to the surfers and Pelican Highway to come take a ride.
The breeze was light and slightly cool blowing the tops of the waves sending a salty mist into the air. The energy was a mixture giving us a sense of calm and vitality simultaneously.
Pelican Highway was soaring over the surfers using the waves to propel them south. They bring the message of harnessing the waves of life to lighten our load. Let the flow carry to your destination.
After sunrise Pip the Pelican flew to say hello. We were joined by the dolphin I call M for the M shaped notch on his dorsal fin. M swam right over to Pip to say hello. Pip was a little nervous but stayed to visit for a few minutes. M said, “I bring the message of joyful connections. Taking time to connect in a playful way makes life feel a little sweeter.”
Wishing you a day filled with sweetness!
PS~. Check out the previous posts for dolphin playtime
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Momma, Baby and Flying Redfish
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Momma, Baby and Flying Redfish!
Yesterday I had the great honor of spending 3 and half hours with the latest Momma and baby dolphin. My friends named this momma Lizzie and the baby Lulu for a girl and Lou for a boy.
Over the past 10 days I have watched the baby learn how to lift it’s head up out of the water- this is called a chin slap. Then yesterday the baby came half way out of the water! It’s like seeing a toddler take their first steps. Everyone around was squealing with excitement, Go baby go!
Usually mom and baby are alone nursing in the lagoon, I’m wondering if having at least 18 other dolphins around inspired the little nugget to leap and pop like popcorn out of the water.
Pip the pelican and his girlfriend Patches. The pelican were in the lagoon along with 2 manatees and of course the Luna and Skylar the ospreys, Spot and Mikey the egrets. As you can see the tour boat, paddle boarder and locals enjoyed the show!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Momma and baby
Look ma! I’m out of the water!
Momma and baby
healing takes time, treat yourself with compassion and patience
Pink rays of light jetted high into the sky at first light. The bright full moon and Jupiter were having a conversation as I walked to the beach.
The energy was more electric and full of vitality than serene. With the strong current rushing up against my skin it was as if the ocean was energizing my body.
The ocean was speckled with surfers before first light. The waves were powerful, tossing a few surfers around. One with his feet in the air along with Luna the osprey bring us the message of the bumps of life and healing.
The waves bring the message how life can feel a bit bumpy, turning us upside down. The surfer got back on his board and caught another wave, reminding us feeling tossed around is temporary, eventually we find our footing again.
After sunrise I went to the river where Luna the osprey was hanging out on her boat. Last time I posted her tushy feathers up close my friend Kyle said she was showing us the osprey full moon. A couple days later my friend Lisa named her Luna without knowing about full moon osprey, showing us how connected we are. This morning she posed with the full moon embracing her name.
She is quite expressive, when I talk to her she tilts her head like a puppy dog. She encourages us to show compassion with our eyes, share your love through your eyes.
I walked over to say good morning and said, “How are you?” She raised her foot and pointed to it with her beak saying, “My foot hurts. I know healing takes time. Patience and compassion help me cope.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~ Check out the previous post for more redfish photos and dolphin playtime
Luna the osprey and the full moon
I said,"Good morning, how are you?" She responded, "My left right foot hurts." Healing takes time, patience and compassion
Luna tilts her head when we chat.
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Epic Full Moon Party!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Epic Full Moon Party!
Holy Moly! Dolphins love the energy of a full moon!
When I got in the water momma and her baby from my previous post were there and stayed for 3 hours. Uncle Larry the dolphin with 968 on his dorsal fin was in and out enjoying grabbing snacks too. He's the dolphin who is approximately 43 years old, despite his elderly age he still plays like a teenager!
At one point someone said they counted 20 dolphin! I didn't even know where to point my camera.
I've been in the water with the dolphins since 2018 and I've never seen so many redfish. The Ponce Inlet Water Sports tour got quite the show!
Pip the pelican was there too! Momma and baby swim over to him which freaked him out so he flew away. Luna the Osprey was in the mix too. So much more to share, so stay tuned for more tales!
