Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Pelican Athletes. Going Head to Head with Dolphins.
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Pelican Athletes. Going Head to Head with Dolphins.
I wanted to highlight the athletic abilities of the pelicans in this post. They are truly amazing athletes. Like us, they have varying degrees of strength and fear.
Some of the pelicans stay in the back waiting for the fish to come their way while other pelicans are right in the mosh pit, literally going ahead to head with the dolphins. (middle photo)
When the dolphin and pelican went head to head, the dolphin came up chuffing- which is blowing rapidly out the blow hole and the pelicans came up shaking it off looking a bit discombobulated.
Usually it’s just the mature pelicans with the dolphins because it is a little dangerous. If an immature pelican get’s involved they tend to stay on the outskirts or jump in after the dolphin has passed by.
The sharp end of the pelicans beak can scrape the dolphin but also injure the other pelicans.
When you are hungry, getting in the mix seems like a really good idea.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Fish in the center of the pelicans with a dolphin under the water
3 mature pelicans with yellow heads and one immature pelican, all brown and white, in the air
Pelican and dolphin going head to head
Mine, Mine, Mine
Incoming athletes chasing a dolphin under water
Rainy Day Love
Good Morning!
Mother Nature brought us rainy sunrise with thunder and lightning here in sunny Florida. I thought I'd share a few photos of wildlife love to start your day.
Wishing you a love filled day friends!
Dolphin Snuggles
Manatee snuggles
Sweet Pigeon kisses
Cormorant love
Pelican soulmates
Change is constant, roll with the flow
The sun is back, big and bringing warmth and a golden glow to start of the day. The flock of gulls flew in as the sun came up kissing the ocean good by for the day. One legger was showing off her athletic abilities, using her one leg to turn like a champ.
She said, “I highly recommend using your strengths to thrive. I find I feel stronger when I focus on what I have rather than what I don’t have.”
Gorgeous and huge waves were rolling in a couple at a time. The wind was blowing the topes of the wave sending salt spray in the air like beautiful art.
After sunrise dolphins were feeding in the lagoon along with Eddy, Rusty and Pip the pelicans. It’s dragonfly time of the year and I’ve been hoping to capture one. Eddy was on my left when I a blue dragonfly flew in from the right, he tried to grab the little fairy but was unsuccessful.
Together the pelican and dragonfly bring us a message of transformation. The dragonfly said, “I am here to remind you change is constant in life. Change comes in stages, some are longer than others."
"Like my flight patterns, I can flit in lots of directions when needed. You can too, trust yourself to know which direction to take."
Eddy said, “Sure I missed the dragonfly, which Shelley was happy about. I bring the reminder of flowing with your emotions about any changes in your life. Not to worry, more opportunities are on the way. “
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
Walking on sunshine
Eddy the pelican and a dragonfly
Waiting on a wave
Patience, healing takes time
Ahhhhh a pretty in pink sunrise with a cloud burst of fluffy clouds soaking up the various pastel colors. A cool breeze was blowing the tops of the waves sending salt spray in the air.
The flock of gulls flew in at their usual time for bath time while an osprey searched for snacks.
The striped sun came up to greet the day kissing the ocean good bye with a prolonged kiss.
After sunrise, Pip, Rusty and Eddy the pelicans came to say hello. Rusty waled through the mangroves to show me his wing where a fish hook and line was hanging about 10 days ago. He said, “Look! I’m healing up nicely. I just needed a little tender loving care and time.”
Pip added to the message when he flew off his healing pole to say hello through the mangroves. He said, “I agree with Rusty, healing takes time. Patience with the mind, body and spirit supports the process. Oh, and sweet friends who make your heart expand with love is an important ingredient in any recovery.”
Wishing you a sweet day filled with love!
Pip the pelican on his healing pole
Pip flew off his pole to say hello through the mangroves
Rusty came through the mangroves to show his wing is doing great after the hook and line was removed 10 days ago
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- The Elite Athlete Season Is Back
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- The Elite Athlete Season Is Back
This time of year the mature pelicans return to the lagoon. They start chasing the dolphins in hopes of catching a fish escaping the dolphin. It can be a bit of a mosh pit which means it is a sport for only the elite pelican athletes.
Sometimes the young pelicans get in the mix but they usually get right out once they get dunked by a dolphin or catch another pelican beak in the face.
It’s fun to watch the relationships unfold. Some of the pelicans and dolphins know each other from previous years and enjoy just hanging out.
Depending on the mood of the dolphin they may toss the pelicans a fish. Often I see the dolphin toss a fish in a group of pelicans and watch them go crazy. Never a dull moment.
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS The sunrise for Thursday is the previous post
Flow with the energy to support your path
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.
A cool, salty breeze was blowing this morning making it possible for the gulls to hang in place so we could connect. The flock is smaller since some of the gulls have already left to head north.
One Legger and the remaining gulls said they wanted to wait until this cool weather leaves before heading into more cold. She is looking very mature with her almost black head. When she got a little too close, she pulled her leg up showing her flying skills.
Gorgeous golden rays of light jetted from behind the clouds giving us a powerful light filled vibe to the morning. The Hughe moon was in the sky getting hugs from the cozy color filled clouds rolling by.
Pelican Highway was high in the sky enjoying floating in the thermals. They said, “You can still feel the energy of the recent full moon. This moon may ask you to let go of things that no longer serve you. You may also find yourself heading in a different direction over the next few months.”
“We recommend going with the flow of the energy. Like the gulls, use the energy to your advantage. Just like us, things are lining up to support you and your journey.”
Wishing you a day in the flow friends!
Fly me to the moon
All Lined Up
One legger pulling up her leg when she got a little close.
Give yourself time to heal
Ahhhhhh a pretty in pink kind of sunrise with a soft haze hanging over the shore. The wind was blowing making it possible for the flock to hang in place for a long time.
As soon as I reached the sand, A duck couple flew in to enjoy a romantic stroll taking in the sunrise.
They said, “We highly recommend taking time to enjoy the simple moments. Sure, we can take flight or swim swiftly but slowing it down for a walk changes up our daily routine bringing in freshness.”
They said, “Sure the wind can be challenging but it is also helpful if we use it to our advantage. Us gulls are able to use all the resources around us to thrive. Hanging in place gives us a different perspective, a new angle can change everything.”
Good news, the sea oats are starting to grow back. They were flattened by the several hurricanes last year. They bring the message of resilience. “When you feel flattened by life and feel like you can’t get up, give yourself time, you will find your way back one day at a time.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Duck couple out for a stroll before the sunrise
let the energy carry you with ease
WOW! With the full moon setting and the sun rising it was a powerful and beautiful start to the day. The flock of gulls is a little smaller as they start to head north for the summer. We enjoyed some much needed bath time.
One of the gulls with her wings open said, “Go ahead open your heart and lean in, the sweetness of the experience will make your heart happy.”
The full moon brings us a powerful message. Each full moon is situated in the sky bringing different messages, today the moon encourages letting go of things that no longer serve us. Not to worry if you feel redirected, it’s all purposeful and to support us and our path.”
Pelican Highway traffic was heavy today with surfers and other birds enjoying the roadway. A cormorant heading north while a pelican headed south said, “No matter the direction you take, enjoy the waves of life, let the energy carry you with ease.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
First Light
Seagull sunrise
worm moon
A packed Highway
Amber Pelican Highway
Cormorant heading north while pelican heads south
You are strong and capable
With a heavy layer of salty fog and wall of clouds on the horizon, the morning was cozy and serene. The sun took a while to make it’s way up past the thick clouds reminding us to be patient. When it did come up, golden rays of light petted into the sky filling the air with a hopeful vibe.
The ocean was churning adding to the energy of the day. A cormorant flew in, diving right into the waves to grab fish. She said, “Sure the current and waves are powerful, but so am I! I trust myself to navigate the waves, I am strong and capable.”
After sunrise a male cardinal was singing with gusto. He said, “I agree with the cormorant and also represent confidence. Don’t sell yourself short, who you are at your core can inspire others. Embrace your inner cardinal, sing your heart out, and go after what you want. You go this!”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
male cardinal
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Daniko Grants My Wish
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Daniko Grants My Wish
These photos are of the dolphin I call Daniko. I’ve known him since 2018 but didn’t really get to know him until March 2021.
In the last 8 months we have spent countless hours together. He will do silly things like a grab a flounder and swim by nice and slow just a few feet away so I can get the photo.
His bestie is Jasper but he is spends time with the moms and their kiddos too.
On Friday I said to him, “I haven’t had any dolphin jumping out of the water in a while, can you help me out?” A few minutes later he went and grabbed a huge mullet while flying out of the water, then repeated a few more times.
Afterward he swam by as if to ask, “How was that?” I said, That was great, Thank you!
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS~ Sunrise for Sunday is in previous post
Follow the rhythms and Natural flow
Ahhhh, an easy like Sunday morning kind of sunrise with soft and sweet colors. With the absence of a breeze and a light layer of fog, the stillness and quiet was soothing.
The flock of gulls flew in early to chat it up before heading to the ocean for bath time.
Shimmery amber light danced across the calm ocean while the huge sun came up, peeking out from behind a few clouds.
With the full moon just a couple days away and a sailboat passing under the sun, I was reminded of one of my favorite songs, Cool Change by Little River Band. “It's kind of a special feeling, Out on the sea alone, Staring at the full moon like a lover.”
On my way off the beach I heard a woodpecker before I saw him attempting to grab breakfast. He said, “Keep hammering away at your heart’s desire. Don’t give up on your dreams."
"I’m here to tell you that your hard work will pay off, doors are opening even if you can’t see them yet. Follow the rhythms and natural flow and you will find your way with ease.”
Wishing you a sweet day friends!
Venture into the unknown
Mother Nature used her swirly paint brush this morning creating a soft surrounding for the sun to emerge through. One Legger and her flock flew in with their wings and hearts open soaking up the sunlight.
She said, “My head is almost black which means I’ll be leaving soon for the summer. It’s the season for mating and I’m looking forward to some summer loving.”
Perfect waves rolled in looking like velvet emerald blankets as they made their way toward shore. A cormorant was using Pelican highway to cruise southbound.
She said, “You see, I dive into the water not knowing exactly what I will find. I’m here to encourage venturing into the unknown. New experiences can broaden your horizons and add a little zest to your life.”
Wishing you a zesty day friends!
PS ~ Check out the Tales from the lagoon episode in previous post
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Trusting New Flippered Friends
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Trusting New Flippered Friends
Yesterday I spent 4 hours with a new pod of dolphins. I have probably met them before yesterday but we hadn’t spent quality time like this together.
The morning started out with chasing fish, mostly mullet and jacks. There were 4 dolphins in this pod. They were like a perfect hockey team, swimming in perfect harmony always knowing where all the characters were in the lagoon.
In this series they grabbed a jack in the shallows. The dolphin with the fish rolled over on his side and just held the fish for a long while. I thought to myself, that’s like me with chocolate.
Then he started swimming toward the deeper end, just a few feet aways tossed the fish around splashed a bit then down the hatch head first it went.
Then something I had never experienced before happened. The 4 dolphin swam out to the middle of the channel and started swimming back popping out of the water at mach speed chasing a school of fish.
The fish were flying out of the water and headed right for me. I was in chest deep water at the time. The dolphins were right behind the fish also coming right at me.
As they reached me 3 dolphins went by on my right, one on my left, smooth as butter, just inches away…wooooosh! The fish went between and around my legs. Although I was a little nervous, I knew after the last 3 hours of allowing me to be in their space, we had built trust. Phew! To be a part of the pod is truly a wonderful experience, one I never take for granted.
Stay tuned for more tales!
get the whole picture from bird’s eye view
Mother Nature gave us another spring time kind of sunrise with pink and amber colors. A cool breeze kept things feeling fresh while the sun came up bringing warmth.
Sweet waves rolled in toward shore catching the sparkly light. Surprisingly, Pelican Highway was void of traffic.
It’s the time of year when osprey return and stake a claim on one of the tall buildings as their winter home. Two were chatting back and froth between buildings. They bring the message of the birds eye view.
They said, "We highly recommend looking at situations from a higher perspective. This gives us the whole picture so we can see all the moving parts which helps us with clarity. Then we will can take action when we feel inspired.”
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
New beginnings are always available
What a fun and beautiful morning. A beautiful spring color palette gave us a peaceful and sweet sunrise. The sun came up looking like a striped Easter Egg above the calm ocean. Perfect surf waves had surfers coming from every nook and cranny to catch a wave.
The surfers and waves bring us our message today. When the energy of the wave dissipated, the surfers were practicing their artful dismounts. What fun they were having.
The surfers and waves bring the message of being aware of the cycles and rhythms of momentum.
“Not to worry when the energy disappears, more will come, have fun with endings, because new beginnings are always available to us. New waves are developing right now, it’s just a matter of timing and patience.”
Wishing you a fun day friends!
Having fun with the dismount
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Flying School
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Flying School
The lagoon was like a quick stop store with dolphin popping in to grab snacks, hang out then leave and come back for more a little later.
Lots of different dolphins coming and going but Momma Jade and her kiddo along with Momma Sirabi and her youngster young hung out the most. It was sweet to see their kiddos play together while they relaxed.
Momma Jade was playing with a school of fish which got them to fly. She didn’t grab any for snacks, it seemed like she was trying to give the pelicans a helping hand to grab sacks.
Rusty, Eddy and Milo the immature pelicans were grateful for the assist and tried to catch a couple of the fish.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Momma Jade is behindthe school of fish
Momma Sarabi with youngster Simba in the middle
Stand tall and show your true essence to the world
It was a truly breathtaking sunrise with a lake like ocean except for perfect waves rolling toward shore beckoning the surfers to come play.
Dolphins were grabbing snacks in the waves, letting the waves roll over them. They said, “We bring the message of relaxing into the waves and let them roll over you. It’s true some life waves are very powerful, roll with them rather than bracing and you will find it feels easier.”
The light show was incredible today. The light on the water and in the waves was quite a kaleidoscope of colors from emerald green to a golden copper.
The flock of gulls flew in at their usual time to enjoy baths time and hanging out on the beach. One of the gulls strutting her stuff said, “Don’t hold back, go ahead work it, own it. Stand tall and show your true essence to the world.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
let go so it’s easier to roll with the changes
Ahhhh, another sweet and romantic pretty in pink kind of sunrise. Dolphins were cruising southbound just past the perfect waves which were soaking up the light.
The flock of chatty gulls flew in for bath time saying, “Join in, shake your tail feathers to start your day. That’s right a good shake, a really good one, the kind that gets your feathers flapping and the water flying. It’s a great way to get your blood flowing and ready for the day.”
3 egrets glided by with ease bring the message of going with the flow. They said, “If things feel challenging, wait until you feel the flow to carry you forward.
A laughing gull with his full black head said, “I have my sexy mating colors on so will be leaving soon. I bring the message of seasons coming and going. I agree with the egrets message of flow, I encourage letting go of attaching to things staying the same so it is easier to roll with the shifts and changes.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Inspire others by staying open
With a heavy and wet layer of fog the morning started off dark, grey and cozy with a sliver of pink just above the ocean. As the sun came up the fog and clouds soaked up the pastel colors contrasting the emerald green waves.
The flock flew in later today but just as chatty and ready for bath time. One Legger found a twin! Both their heads even look to be turning black at the same time. They said, “Keep your wings and hearts open to finding your like minded flock mates.”
A few dolphins were playing in the perfect waves as these came up to greet the day. The dolphins said, “When things seem a bit foggy and confusing, a few moment of fun and play can shift how you feel. We highly recommend playing to clear the fog.”
Buddy the herring gull surrounded by laughing gulls said, “I agree! Be the bird who inspires others to stay open.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
2 One Leggers!
Buddy the herring gull
2 One Leggers!
dolphin in the wave
self care is contagious
It was a beautiful spring like day with a cool breeze and stunning pretty in pink and amber color show. The sun came up looking striped giving the ocean a lingering kiss goodbye for the day.
Perfect waves rolled toward shore beckoning the surfers to come play. The waves were catching the sweet light adding to the beauty of the day.
After sunrise, the lagoon was hopping with the dolphins, Momma Sarabi and Young Simba. Rusty, Eddy, Milo and Nigel were just a few of the dozen pelicans grabbing snacks along with a few cormorants.
Rusty came over close and started to bathe which set off a chain reaction of other pelicans bathing. He said, “Self care is contagious. As I get squeaky clean it inspired others to join in. Before you know it we were all feeling good and bug free.”
Us pelicans like to feed together too bringing the message of teamwork and timing. When we dive together, we have a better chance of scoring fish. We do the work and trust in the timing. Eventually, it all lines up for success.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
