Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Huge Party Pod
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Huge Party Pod
The last two days brought an exciting surprise—an enormous maternity pod gathered in and around the lagoon!
When multiple dolphin moms and their calves come together, it's called a maternity pod, and this one was full of life and activity.
The pod works in unity, working together to care for and protect the little ones. Baby Solstice, likely born around the summer solstice, was especially spirited—zipping around while several adults chased closely behind, keeping the energetic calf safe.
Momma Sarabi and Baby Sarafina, were swimming alongside the newest members of the pod, sharing in the joyful energy.
Stay tuned for more Tales from the Lagoon!
Baby Solstice and Momma Summer
Momma Summer and Baby Solstice
Momma Sarabi, Solstice in front and Sarafina to her left.
Let the lightwaves roll over you filling you with energy
The sky bloomed with soft blue tones and pink rays nearly 30 minutes before sunrise, then shifted into a golden glow that kissed everything it touched.
Perfect caramel colored waves rolled in calling the surfers to come play. Pelican Highway used the waves to carry them down the beach in perfect formation.
Pelican Highway all lined up, and connected said, “We are here to remind you things are lining up.” A surfer heading into a wave reminds us there are times when we are in the flow and catching a great ride. Other times we may need to paddle a bit while things align. On your paddle, let the lightwaves roll over you, feel the power filling you with energy. Trust that your ride is coming.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Pelican Highway all lined up with a dolphin tail splash behind
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Baby Dolphin Out of the Water
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Baby Dolphin Out of the Water
This video shows baby Sarafina with Momma Sarabi. Momma Dalia ( aka Bump) and her 3 year old calf Pax, are this video as well.
Sarafina is around 3-4 weeks old and I have been hoping to get a glimpse of the belly for a gender reveal. I was a little off the mark when Sarafina lifted up out of the water or we would have had a view of that cute belly. Hopefully next time!
Stay tuned for more tales!
A photo to celebrate TGIF!
Trust the pace, you are loved and supported
Mother Nature gifted us a soothing, reflective sunrise this morning.
The laughing gulls were getting squeaky clean in a tide pool. One of the gulls showing it's reflections said, "Fall deeper in love with yourself."
As the morning unfolded, clouds drifted by, inviting us to find playful characters in the sky. While photographing, I was surprised to discover a pink feather and the smallest snail I’ve ever seen
The pink feather, a symbol of unconditional love, healing, and spiritual growth. It said, "You are supported and guided—you’re on the right path.”
The snail chimed in with quiet wisdom: “Move at your own pace. Slow, purposeful steps are a sign of trust. Like the feather said, don’t worry—you’re right where you need to be.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Embrace your imagination!
WOW! As I walked to the beach, the clouds were putting on a show—layers of purple, pink, and soft grey filled the sky. Their reflection shimmered on the wet sand, adding to the heart-expanding beauty of the morning.
The ocean was calm, making it easy to spot dolphins swimming gracefully in the distance. Pelican Highway was open in both directions, gliding with ease like rush-hour ballet.
But it was the clouds that brought the message today, "Embrace your imagination!"
"Let your mind wander. Look for animals, faces, or whole stories hidden in the sky. The cloud game is more than a child’s pastime, it's a healthy dose of creativity, mindfulness, and wonder. Imagination is a bridge to joy, healing, and possibility. It helps us see the wonder in the world."
Wishing you a dreamy day friends!
PS ~. Check out more Mom and Baby photos in previous post. :)
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode-Mom and Baby Play Time, Again
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode-Mom and Baby Play Time, Again
I was in the lagoon with a solo dolphin when Momma Sarabi and baby Sarafina swam in, ready to enjoy another round of playful bonding time.
If you’re just tuning in, we first met little Sarafina on June 6—and if you scroll back, you can see just how much s/he grown in just a few weeks!
There was no shortage of affection and snuggles. Sarafina had the zoomies—popping out of the water and zipping around like a little speed racer.
Momma Summer and Baby Solstice made a quick appearance, flashing by just as a herd of manatees rolled through, smooching as they passed.
Still hoping to get a gender reveal, let's hope s/he shows us soon!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Slow your pace to feel tranquil
The chatty flock was ready to get squeaky clean as I reached the edge of the ocean. They sky was pink with wispy clouds floating by. A few dolphins swam past the waves looking for breakfast.
As the sun came up the color show shifted form soft pink to a golden orange glow bringing warmth and a fresh start.
In the lagoon after sunrise a couple manatees were swimming by and smooching. They said, “We are here to encourage slowing down. Go ahead, enjoy a slower pace today. For us, finding tranquility comes from being present in the moment, curious and of course smooching.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode 3 Year Old Playful Dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode 3 Year Old Playful Dolphin
This is Pax, his/her mom is Momma Dalia who I call Momma Bump.
Pax has endless energy, is super silly and helps with younger calves. I still haven't see the belly to know the gender but one thing is for sure this kiddo brings a spark to the lagoon!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Monday sunrise with a rocket is previous post
In the stillness your imagination can awaken
As I stepped outside, the crescent waning moon and Venus were bright in the blue sky. Clouds on the horizon soaked up the pre dawn pink and blue colors as the flock flew in for bath time.
The cloud game was fun today! The sun looked like it came up just to the north of a giant bunny rabbit cloud while a cloud Being played on the top of a pink fluffy cotton candy cloud.
The waning moon and launch bring us the message today. The new moon is 2 days away but you can feel the energy of it 3 days before and 3 days after. The man in the moon said, “The upcoming new moon asks you to go within to feel an inner safety. Rest into the stillness to find your center. It is in that quiet your imagination can come to life and dream into reality your heart’s desires.”
The rocket is a reminder that someone imagined it before it became a real. What is it you want to dream into reality?
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
waning moon
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Following a Baby for 3 years!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Following a Baby for 3 years!
Meet Momma Dalia—who I lovingly call Momma Bump because of the tiny bump on her dorsal fin—and her playful calf, Pax. Pax first appeared in June 2022, which makes this little one 3 years old now!
I still haven’t seen the belly to confirm Pax’s gender, but what I do know is this: Pax is full of playful energy, sticks close to Momma Bump, and even helps Momma Sarabi care for her new baby, Sarafina.
This short video includes photos of Pax growing up, a few sweet video moments with the dolphin moms, and a GoPro clip at the end showing Momma Bump and Pax swimming side-by-side—on their way to grab a mullet snack at the dock. If you watch closely, you’ll catch a glimpse of tiny Sarafina popping up in the distance!
Stay tuned for more tales!
song is Ocean Sunrise by Kevin P. Holt
Nurturing the next generation is a group effort
WOW! From first light to the sunrise the morning was breathtaking! A calm ocean glistened with the ever changing colors. Pelican Highway glided above the water looking so peaceful.
When the sun came up, the mix of wispy and fluffy clouds reflected on the wet sand like a beautiful oil painting. Laughing gulls were getting squeaking clean while skimmers (birds) barked as they flew by.
After sunrise on the way to the lagoon I heard baby birds squawking in a tree. I was able to snap a few photos of the baby grackles from a distance. There are 4 babies and several adults bringing them food. They bring us the message today.
"We are adaptable and creative birds. We thrive through resourcefulness and teamwork. Just like dolphins swimming in pods, we care for one another. Nurturing the next generation is not a solo task—it’s a community effort.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Baby Grackles
Stand Still soak up the sunlight
The moon and Venus were bright in the sky as pink light started to emerge through the darkness. Low tide reflected the huge cloud to the northwest while fluffy clouds floated toward the sunrise. Dolphins swam just passed the waves looking for snacks.
The very chatty flock was already at the edge of the shore to usher in the new day.
Today is the summer solstice bringing us the message today. The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol ('sun') and sistere ('to stand still’) bringing us an opportunity to be still, set intentions for where we want to go. As the longest day of the year it asks us to breathe deeply and soak up the sunlight.
After sunrise, Momma Sarabi her calf Sarfina and another mom with her little calf swam in for a quick breakfast. The new baby popped up bringing us a message. “She said, I’m a reminder of new beginnings and play! Tune your heart to the frequency of happiness and soak in the playful energy all around you."
Wishing you a light filled day!
A new baby! This mm and baby was with Sarabi and her calf just after sunrise
Share and serenity
Good Morning! The 42% moon was bright in the blue sky as the golden sun came up to greet the day. The chatty flock of laughing gulls along with a tricolored heron enjoyed looking for breakfast together.
The tricolored heron said, “I am a reminder of the importance of patience and focus. You see, patience and trust is how I stay feeling serene.”
When the sun came up, the golden orange glow filled the sky, shimmering on the ocean and wet sand giving us an expansive feeling to start the day.
After sunrise Cutter, a male dolphin friend was grabbing breakfast with Eddy the pelican. Eddy is there every morning in hopes of getting breakfast. Today he was in luck!! After Cutter caught a few fish for himself, he tossed eddy 2 fish bringing us the message of sharing. “Go ahead, share with friends, it will make you feel good.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Check out previous post- I’m speaking today at 2
Tri Colored Heron
Love the one you are with
Cutter tosses Eddy the Pelican a fish
Speaking at the Library today
I’ll be speaking at the Port Orange Public Library today at 2. Sharing Tales from the Lagoon
1005 City Center Circle, Port Orange 32129
Be the peace you want to see in the world
Mother Nature painted an artful masterpiece this morning—angelic pink clouds mirrored perfectly in the wet sand. The flock arrived early, wings wide open, ready to greet the beauty and dive into their morning baths.
Fluffy clouds gently hugged the rising sun, which looked enormous as it cast golden, radiant energy across the calm ocean. The shimmering orange low on the ocean added to the magnificent beauty.
On my way off the beach, a dove appeared on the boardwalk bringing us the message of peace, love, gentleness and forgiveness. I am a reminder to be the peace you want to see in the world.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Gold Lining
Purpose can ebb and flow
Ahhhhhh with a light layer of fog calm ocean the morning was calm and soothing. Dolphin grabbed snacks near Pelican Highway. The usual chatty flock flew in early ready for bath time.
The came up looking ginormous, shining golden orange light out into the day. A solo pelican enjoyed alone time in the morning light bringing the message of taking a time out in nature to just be.
After sunrise, Eddy the Pelican along with Uncle Larry and Jagger 2 male dolphins were enjoying breakfast. Uncle Larry has a number on his dorsal fin, 963, from a health assessment in 2004. More about his story as the caption in his photo.
Uncle Larry and Jagger are a couple male besties. When I met Uncle Larry in 2018, he was in a maternity pod supporting the moms and babies. He still sometimes hangs with the moms and kiddos, but now spends more time with Jagger enjoying snacks and play time.
He and jagger remind us that our roles may ebb and flow. “We highly recommend being fluid with your purpose. Let your intuition be the compass that guides you as your purpose flows and shifts with the tides.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Uncle Larry
Uncle Larry 963
Uncle Larry has the number 963 on his dorsal fin. I learned he was part of a health assessment in 2004. What that means is a research team checked 3 dolphins for health issues and the good news is they found all 3 to be healthy males. They estimated his age at that time to be around 25, the oldest of the 3 dolphins in the assessment. That makes him approximately 46 years old now! Makes me wonder if he is related to Jagger, maybe a son or grandson.
Loggerhead Journey from Start to Finish:
Loggerhead Journey from Start to Finish:
When I arrived at 6:10am, this incredible loggerhead mother was already in the process of laying her eggs just before sunrise. The New Smyrna Turtle Trackers were on site, respectfully monitoring her journey from start to finish—lasting until 7:50am.
This video captures it all: her steady focus while laying her eggs, the careful covering of her nest, and her long trek back to the ocean. She appeared a bit disoriented at times, taking a few u-turns, but eventually her inner wisdom kicked in. With quiet strength, she made her way home to the ocean, the crowd cheering as she disappeared into the waves.
Song is Eternal Life by Tristan Barton
Loggerhead mom reminds us to trust the path
We were gifted a very special sunrise this morning—spectacular colors painted the sky, but the true highlight was a majestic loggerhead sea turtle mom laying her eggs just as the sun rose to greet the day.
As time passed, more people quietly gathered to witness her sacred journey. After she finished laying her eggs, she began her return to the ocean—but she seemed a bit disoriented. Thankfully, the New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers were on site, gently monitoring her progress from a respectful distance.
Each time she turned away from the ocean, the energy of the crowd shifted—you could feel our collective hearts silently cheering her in the right direction. It was so special to witness the power of love being beamed toward her, helping her find her way home.
Eventually, her inner wisdom guided her back to the sea, and when she reached the water, the crowd erupted in cheers and a shared sigh of relief.
She reminded us to trust the path, even when it’s winding or seems uncertain. Many wanted to help, but this was her journey—and she made it. Thank you, Momma, for allowing us to witness your strength and grace.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - New Baby is Getting Bigger!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - New Baby is Getting Bigger!
Sarafina, the latest calf in the lagoon is growing up fast! She is curious and full of energy. She posed for several photos there other day while hanging with her sweet Mom. Her personality is so fun, it’s like she lights up the world around her.
Stay tuned, a sweet video coming soon!
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS- if you are just tuning in…more baby photos in previous posts.
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Rapid Fire Feeding with The Male Dolphins
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Rapid Fire Feeding with The Male Dolphins
This video is of 2 minutes of Charley and M a couple of male besties. The last clip shows how high they can jump! The tide was really low making is prime opportunity to snatch up the mullet near the dock.
Usually the marina is full of boats but on this day many were out giving them lots of room to feast. A resident took advantage of the space to catch the great show.
More from the moms and the new baby coming soon.
Stay tuned for more tales!
song is Liberation by Lux Inspira
PS ~ Sunday sunrise is previous post