Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Splash Zone is the Fun Zone
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Splash Zone is the Fun Zone
Some days it’s hard to get a photo of the dolphin because they are having so much fun making splashes and wake.
On this day 2 dolphins were enjoying chasing snacks, teasing the pelicans but mostly they were having a blast going zoom zoom creating huge splashes.
The pelicans got drenched in the huge wall of water but that didn’t stop them from trying to catch a fish escaping the dolphin.
The joy vibe from them was contagious!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Change your view for new solutions
With 20 mph wind gusts and a cool temperature the morning felt very invigorating. The morning sky filled with an explosion of colors giving the morning a hopeful vibe.
One Legger and her flock flew in extra hot courtesy of the wind. They hovered in place for long periods of time with the moon just above them. The sun came up beyond the churning waves. The tops of the waves were blowing in the wind.
The sun brought a much needed warmth and light adding to the theme of vitality.
The flock brings us a message of perspective. They said, “We encourage looking at life from a different view. You see when you change angle of how you see things, you can find new solutions. The clarity will help you soar above the problem giving you hope of moving forward.”
One of the little laughing gulls waled over close to say good morning. She said, “Take each day one step at a time. That makes things easier to manageable.”
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
One step at a time
Know when to come close and when to retreat
A layer of clouds looking like cotton balls covered the sky like a cozy blanket. Pelican Highway cruised southbound over the the emerald colored waves rolling toward shore.
The flock of gulls flew in for our usual bath time and chat. One Legger and crew stopped to say hello.
Our message today of discernment comes from Patches the Pelican and small turtle crossing the road. Patches wanted to be very close while the turtle wanted a little space.
They said, “We bring the message of knowing when to connect with closeness and when to retreat for a time out. Balance with both keeps us centered. Be kind with yourself if you want to hang out in your shell for a bit knowing you can come back out and get up close and personal with your flock when you feel inspired.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
A little box turtle
Patches flying in to spend time together
Patches the pelican
Expect unexpected beauty
Inhale, Exhale, Repeat.
Instead of the usual intense fall colors Mother Nature went with an ethereal feel with soft fluffy clouds. The pre sunrise sky filled with a romantic pink glow adding to the serene vibe that eventually changed to a beautiful golden glow.
The flock of gulls flew in how and chatty hanging out in place savoring the moment. One Legger and friend bring us their usual message of slowing down to soak up the moment. They added, “Life is sweeter when you fly with your flock.”
After sunrise I was surprised to see a blue heron hanging on Ozzie and Harriet’s boat. Ozzie and Harriet are a lovely pigeon couple.
Big Blue said, “I bring the message of expecting unexpected beauty and connections.” He went on to say, “As you can see I have long skinny legs. Despite being thin, they are very strong. As long as I am present and grounded into my legs I can relax my toes and feel sturdy.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Use your past to guide you forward
The sun looked like a burning coal as it came up behind the wall of clouds on the horizon. The salty breeze and roaring ocean adding to the energizing vibe. Splashing waves and the sun came sun came together to make beautiful art.
An egret enjoying the sunrise said, "Feel the wind on your face and hair, it adds to the full experience."
The the wet sand and every changing landscape it was like watching 10 different sunrises in one morning. A very chatty flock of gulls flew in up close and personal, bringing their big personalities with them.
The moon was high and bright in the sky surrounded by vultures enjoying a ride in the thermals. The vulture and moon bring us a combo message.
The vulture said, “I know not everyone loves me but I am an important part of the eco system. I’m here to encourage you to use all your resources and instincts. Use your past to help guide you making decisions moving forward.”
The moon is considered a refection of our hearts and emotions. Since the moon is waning, it means something may not be fully illuminated at this time. The moon encourages you to follow the vulture wisdom by using your emotions as your GPS, especially when you feel confused. They can direct you toward the path that supports your highest consciousness.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Pippa and the Pokey Fish
Hi I’m Pip the Pelican and I’m here to share my journey with you.
March 23, 2022 was a scary day for me. You see I’m an immature brown pelican which is a fancy way to say I’m young and still learning lots. One day, I was really hungry and I ate a filleted fish carcass of a sheepshead.
This fish has sharp spikes that got caught in my gullet also known as my pouch. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get it unstuck. It was awful, but I guess I’m lucky because my pouch didn’t tear. I couldn’t eat or fly so I sat on the edge of the water for a couple days wondering what to do.
I can’t remember if the fish was given to me or if I found it in the water, but either way, I think it’s best if fisherfolk don’t trust us birds not to eat the pokey fish.
6 people came to my rescue, 3 of them held me and had their hands in my gullet to turn the fish around, getting it unstuck to pull it out. It felt like I had a porcupine in my mouth.
I was weak and nauseous and although it was scary having all those hands on me, I knew they were trying to help. When they got the fish fish out I was so relieved, I flew a few feet away, swam to the beach and sat there for 5 days.
Shelley and the fishermen said the bird hospital is closed because of a bird flu. Shelley called a bird expert who advised the Hoomans to feed me, this of course made me very happy.
For the first 2 days I was disoriented and couldn’t see the fish they were giving me. I slept a lot in a cozy little spot in the mangroves on the beach out of the wind.
Shelley sat with me for long periods of time to keep me company. Sometimes we sat quietly together and other times she was giving me pep talks about getting my own fish.
Spot the egret joined in and sat with us too! Spot is smaller than me but very loud. I met Mikey the great egret at this time too. He’s tall and a very good fisher bird.
That’s Mikey on my right and Spot behind me
3 days after the fish was removed when I was sitting with Shelley I decided it would be a good time to get the bugs off and so I waddled in into the water and flapped my wings, splashing around in the cool water. Shelley said, it was like taking the best shower ever. She was very excited that I was feeling up to grooming. This was a good day!
It took me 5 more days to be able to fly further than 15 feet, at first it was hard to get up in the air but when I did, it felt amazing! I couldn’t go very far at first, it took a couple more days to be able to really fly. At this point when Shelley gave me food she would throw it so I had to chase it, but these fish were not alive so It was easy for me to catch them
10 days post pokey fish I could really fly! And boy was that a relief. For a bird, being grounded isn’t a good thing.
One day I was hanging with Shelley where the dolphin and other pelicans were feeding. She said, Why don’t you go see if the dolphins will toss you a fish.” I tried, but those mature pelicans are a bit intense and scared me so I pooped a lot and got out of the mayhem! I've learned only to hang out with the mom dolphins and their kids, it tends to be less crazy.
The turning point in my recovery was when I saw Shelley in the water with the dolphins along with a few fisherfolk on the dock. This was 13 days after the pokey fish removal.
Some nice fisherfolk tossed me some small fish out of a net so I could practice catching live fish. I wasn’t very good at first but it felt like pennies from heaven, it was raining little fish. A dream come true!
Something about catching live fish gave me a new confidence. I felt stronger!
The next day I ate little fish on my own for the first time! And I started diving for fish too! I wasn’t able to catch fish by diving but I tried and I tried and I tried. It took me until the next day to be able to dive and catch a fish but I did it! Shelley was there and cheered my success.
I spent the days resting on my pole, usually with Mikey or Spot resting while Shelley and the dolphins played. At night I left to sleep with my bird friends in the mangroves.
I felt pretty good until eat end of April when I started to feel really bad. I wasn’t catching enough fish on my own to thrive. Feeling really sick, I sat on the beach and waited for my Hooman friend. My pouch was sticky making it hard to swallow the fish. Shelley knew I needed more help and quickly.
After several calls, Shelley found a rehab place in St. Augustine who would take me, it was 75 miles away from New Smyrna Beach. I got to go on my first car ride!
I watched in awe as I saw horses and cows zip by the window. I have seen them from the air but this was different and although it was definitely easier than flying, I felt a little car sick.
When Shelley dropped me off the lady said, “Oh the’s not a girl, that’s a boy pelican! That’s when my name went from Pippa to Pip.
I was kept in a really nice place with lots of fish so I bellied up to the bar and I ate, and ate and ate. They gave me sardines which I had never had, and I liked them, a lot!
After a few days, they let me out to fly around with an open door to return and eat as much as I wanted. They said I could stay forever and eat as much as I wanted.
Although that was a great offer, I was homesick, so I flew home to New Smyrna Beach. It took about a day to get home. I went straight to my pole and waited for Shelley.
I was really tired and my foot hurt. Once again, calls were made and a nice bird lady examined my foot. She said I had an impact injury, probably from a bad landing. She said I needed rest and food. I liked that plan!
I slept and slept and slept for days on my pole.
I’ve come a long way! I take a bath regularly! This means I’m feeling much better. You see, when birds are sick they have lots of bugs and no energy to bathe to get them off.
See how handsome I am!
I’m curious about everything. I love to play with sticks and seaweed….well, really everything. I have bird friends now! I even have a bird bestie named Patches.
It’s 9 months post pokey fish and I’m really strong now. I’ve survived 2 hurricanes in one month! I’m starting to change colors and mature. Apparently it takes time to mature, I’m not sure what that means but as long as there is fish that’s ok with me. I know Shelley is excited to see how I look when I’m older.
I wanted to share my pokey fish story for a couple reasons.
First, I love fish, shrimp not so much, so if you are a fisherfolk and toss a fish my way I’m gonna eat it. Please don’t toss us birds those pokey fish!
Also I wanted to share how the compassion of the Hoomans saved my life. They were all so nice. So many people came together to help me.
Most importantly, I learned how healing takes time. I thought once the fish was out I would be good as new. I didn’t realize that healing was a process. It took time for my body to heal and I needed to be patient with myself.
I have learned first hand the power of compassion, patience and fish. I’m grateful for the love and support of all of you! Thank You!
I still visit Shelley almost daily so chances are you’ll be hearing more from me!
A little touch goes a long way
Ahhhhh, Mother Nature used her fall color palette this morning with deep orange, purple and gold to give us a powerful sunrise. The stunning colors in the sky reflected on the wet sand adding to the beauty.
The flock of gulls flew in to enjoy bath time. I was very excited to see Floppy the Laughing gull who keeps her wings out and to the side. This was the first time seeing her since Hurricane Nicole and she looked great! She said, “I’m a resilient little nugget. I thrive even thought I look different that then other birds.”
Pelican Highway was jamming heading southbound over the perfectly formed waves while the gulls and I got slowed it down enjoying the moment getting squeaky clean.
After sunrise a pod of dolphin popped in for an impromptu love fest. They said, “We know the power of a touch. Reaching out to hold a hand, or give a kiss and hug can make a huge impact. Just a small amount of connection can give hope and shift your mood. “
Wishing you a dolphin loving kind of day!
First Light
Flock of gulls
Pelican Highway
I love you
Floppy the laughing gull
Slowing it down, savoring the moment
Face the debris together
The morning was hazy with little color before the sunrise. A calmness returned to the ocean except for perfectly formed surfing waves.
The breeze was light as the sun came up to greet the day. The first thing I noticed when my feet hit the beach was the enormous amount of seaweed and debris from the latest hurricane. As I looked around I was overwhelmed seeing parts of homes and docks along with personal items.
I turned to the wildlife for help. Pelican Highway traffic was heavy heading southbound. When I saw them coming I said, “Can you show me a message.” At that moment two pelicans came together looking like they were holding wings. They said, “You are more resilient than you think. Whether you have mental, emotional or physical debris, the answer is to face it together.”
Piper was scurrying around nearby and suddenly stopped closing her eyes. She added, “It’s helpful to stop and take a moment to just be. That quiet moment will give you the fuel you need to take one more step when you think you can’t”.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Pelican Duo
Piper taking a moment
Miles of debris from the storm
One day at a time with wings and heart open
It’s still breezy here in resilient Florida. The soft fluffy clouds started off grey, turning to blue and pink as the sun came up to greet the day. The moon was high in the sky getting hugged but he clouds floating along.
I turn to wildlife for guidance when life feels bumpy so I was very happy to see the flock of gulls fly in to enjoy the sunrise.
Florida has experienced an enormous amount of devastation in the past month so when I saw One Legger, a Laughing gull and a constant over the past few years, I asked her to give us a message for the day.
She said, “I know it can be easier to stop caring and close your heart and wings when life seems overwhelming. I’ve learned is to seek comfort from my flock, sure we squabble but we provide comfort and safety for each other. To survive and thrive I keep my wings and heart open to have a full experience. I put my focus on one day at a time, what do I need for today to make sure I am fed and safe.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Wings and hearts open
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Hurricane Prep Dolphin Style
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Hurricane Prep Dolphin Style
No visible sunrise today…looks like no sunrise until Saturday. I thought I’d share cuteness from lagoon.
Yesterday in between rain bands, gusty wind and a few white caps a maternity pod came in to the lagoon for snacks, nursing and loving.
Momma with a split dorsal fin and her calf were the first to arrive then came Momma and her calf River, and Momma Remi and her calf Roo. I haven’t seen Remi and Roo in a long time so it was nice to see them doing well.
They spent long periods of time nursing with just short jaunts to grab snacks with the young’s tagging along. I’m always amazed how the little nuggets can keep up with the mom or at least stay close. In between nursing and fishing they were sharing hugs and kisses.
After a couple hours of feeding the babies started to play, popping up in the rough water with pure joy. It made me think of how toddlers enjoy playing in a sprinkler, nothing but giggles and happiness.
Wishing you a day filled with giggles! Stay tuned for more tales!
Trust the journey
Weeeeeee! The wind is already whipping as we feel a hint of the storm approaching Florida. The pre sunrise brought us dark clouds with rain. A very small flock of gulls flew in to say a quick hello before jetting out into the ocean.
With the full moon and eclipse, the energy felt powerful and a bit overwhelming. Lunar eclipses bring us the opportunity to let go. With the moon involved you may find things are illuminated to you over the next few months.
Lunar eclipses are culminations of emotional cycles that have run their course, they encourage us to let go of emotions and attachments that are no longer serving us. Like the intense wind, it’s best to go with it and let the energy carry you froward.
The ominous vibe of dark clouds melted away when the sun came up bringing golden rays of heart expanding light. A flock a skimmers in tight formation flew by over the churning ocean. They said, “We are stronger together. We fly as one unit to navigate the wind and rain. Not only are we stronger, we have the comfort of each other. “
After the sunrise, Pip the pelican was waiting on his pole. He jumped in the water and we had a nice talk. I said, “I’m worried about you and the storm.” He said, “I want you to trust my journey. I’m strong and capable. Worry is like sending me a wet blanket, instead, I want you to see me thriving and safe. Remember storms are temporary, the calm will return.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
I see an angel in the white clouds
Pip the Pelican
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode-Show me your fish
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Show Me Your Fish!
A couple days ago, Spent time with the dolphin I call Danika. I’m not sure her gender so she may be Daniko. She got her name when she zipped by me at mach speed on top of the water. Since getting to know her, she really does enjoy being speedy!
It’s not uncommon for me to say, “Show me your fish.” Danika was already being playful, coming over and tossing mullet toward the camera so I asked her to show me her fish.
A couple minutes later she swam super close with a flounder and held it up for several seconds as she passed by with a little wake.
If you click through the photos you can see she is making sure I get the photos. Love that dolphin!
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS- The sunrise for Monday is the previous post.
She’s looking at me to make sure I got the photo.
Break free from a pigeon hold
With a tropical storm heading toward Florida the wind was starting to howl while the ocean churned. The flock of gulls didn’t come today, which is unusual for this time of year. They bring the message of listening to your instincts to know who action to take.
The pre sunrise was almost black and white with just the lighthouse in the distance flashing a hopeful light reminding us beacons of hope are all around. When the sun came up, rays of light jetted into the sky giving us warmth and adding to the hopeful vibe.
A pelican flying overhead slowed down to make eye contact saying, “When you feel uncertain, anchor yourself with connections who feed your soul. Allow yourself to open to those sweet moments showing up.”
I had a nice chat with Ozzie the pigeon after sunrise. When I asked him about the possible storm he said, “Pigeons work together to prepare for bad weather. Did you know we take in other birds during bad weather? Us pigeons bring the message of community and unity. We are a symbol of love and faith.”
He said, “On another note, if you feel stuck, in a ‘pigeon hold’ I’m here to encourage you to break free so you can soar even higher.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Know when to be alone and when to collaborate
Mother Nature brought us a balmy, hazy sunrise with the ocean churning and light breeze. Despite the time change, the gulls flew in just before sunrise like usual. We were enjoying bath time when not one but 2 reddish egrets came countering down the beach.
The larger reddish egret was chasing the smaller one. Well, the smaller one was not interested and was talking up a storm, saying, “No thank you! I’d like to be alone right now.”
In contrast, Pelican Highway was was showing off their teamwork, working like a well oiled machine flying in perfect alignment as they cruised southbound.
The reddish egrets and pelicans bring us the message of balance. They said, “Not to worry, you will know when to be independent and when to be part of a team. Trust your inner knowing, your inner guidance will direct you.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Pelican Highway
Pelican Highway in perfect alignment
reddish egret
reddish egret telling the other egret to back off.
Not one but 2 reddish egrets
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Exciting Gender Reveal
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Exciting Gender Reveal
The other day it was very overcast and windy. The lagoon was choppy from the weather but that didn't stop the dolphins from coming in for a love fest.
I counted 12 dolphins of all ages rolling around giving kisses and hugs. These photos are of the dolphin I call Charlie. (Different that Charlee and her calf Angel) He has a little bump on his dorsal fin that helps me identify him.
I thought he was a male and these photo show he is. Male dolphins have one long slit and a smaller slit just below that - forming an exclamation point on their belly. Females have a division sign- one long slit with 2 smaller ones on either side.
Charley is super sweet and loves to swim over on his side and look up at me, or toss a mangrove propagule my way. He seems to be friends with all the dolphins of all different ages. In the recent months, I have seen him the most hanging with the dolphin I call M. They seem to be besties.
If never gets old getting to know these beautiful beings.
Stay tuned for more tales!
He’s a boy!
Animal Inspired Rainbows
Good Morning! I’m away from the sunrise for a photoshoot. I felt inspired but the week of rainbows so thought I’d share a few animal inspired rainbows.
The other night a friend called me about a gannet sitting on the beach. I was tired but I felt an urge to go, now I know why, when I arrived to the bird he was sitting at the entrance to the rainbow circle. He brings the message of going with the flow, follow your inner guidance, even the whispers. Trust what feels inspiring and energizing is guiding you.
The humpback rainbows are from California. The pelican and the seagulls are from a sunrise on New Smyrna Beach.
Stay tuned for a Tales from the Lagoon
Wishing you a rainbow kind of day in the flow.
Gannet at sunrise at the entrance of a rainbow circle
Humpback whales in California
Open your heart to receive wonder
Mother Nature brought us a beautiful sunrise with rain, fluffy clouds and another rainbow!
The ocean churned as the sun came up under a layer of clouds. Rain on the horizon inched its way toward shore brining us a sun shower and a beautiful full rainbow.
Pelican Highway was cruising southbound on the horizon while the gulls stayed close to shore looking for snacks.
Luna the Osprey was soaking up the rainbow energy bringing us the message of the day.
She opened her wings and said, “Open your heart to the hope and magic all around. Soak up the rainbow energy, letting yourself fill with wonder.”
Wishing you a day filled with wonder and hope!
Luna the Osprey soaking up the rainbow.
Feeling safe to deeply relax
With a nice salty breeze the morning air felt refreshing. Clouds soaked up the pink color before the sun came up to greet the day. Seagull Street was packed as they flew in, in perfect formation. The flock was full of laughing gulls and a solo and sleepy royal tern.
The royal tern said, “Sleep and rest are necessary to stay strong. You see, I have flown a long distance to be in sunny Florida. I feel safe closing my eyes for a few minutes when I’m surrounded by the flock. I bring the message of feeling safe to deeply relax.”
The flock of laughing gulls in front of the sunrise brings us the message of perspective.
They added to the royal tern saying, "How we see things can depend on if we are rested. We encourage taking time to unplug, giving yourself a time out, because with rest comes clarity."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Step into your divine essence
I could hear the waves roaring from the distance as I walked to the beach. When my feet hit the sand the salty air filled my lungs and my heart open seeing the stunning pink light rays jetting into the sky.
Surfers were sprinkled in the ocean, ready to enjoy the perfect curl. A chatty flock of gulls flew in to enjoy bath time. This morning royal terns joined the laughing gulls for some much needed squeaky clean time.
Royal terns have big personalities! One taking a bath with gusto said, “No matter your size, bring it! Step into your divine essence and let it shine.”
Pelican Highway was packed both south and northbound. 2 pelicans flying by said, “We highly recommend sharing the road with friends. It’s nice to have someone to draft off when you need a little rest but don’t want to stop.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Let go to feel solid
With a layer of fog hovering like a cozy blanket and a pastel color show, the morning was very serene and calming.
The sun came up from behind a cloud on the horizon with just a golden lining around the cloud at first. As it continued to rise, the light instantly changed to mood to one of hope for a new day. The sun brings the message of letting your light to burn through the fog.
Surfers were coming out of every nook and cranny to ride the perfect waves. Pelican Highway traffic was moderate, also enjoying riding the waves.
After sunrise I ran into a gorgeous tri-colored heron. He was hanging out on a popular limb for grabbing breakfast. He was barley holding onto the branch bringing us the message of finding a solid foundation by letting go.
He said, “I know it seems opposite, but the less I hold on, the more sturdy I feel. You see, I trust myself to be my solid foundation so if the ground under me is shaky, I still feel centered. And this way I can easily move when I feel inspired.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
