Lighthearted and Lean in
Ahhh… the pre-dawn sky opened with a pink funnel of light streaming upward like a searchlight of love.
The chatty flock began small, then grew as the sun rose — more gulls flew in to greet the day and enjoy bath time in the warm water.
Pelican Highway was bustling today, with traffic heading southbound. Some flew low, skimming the surface of the ocean, while others soared high, savoring the wide-open space.
My little laughing gull shadow followed me into the water, giving me a raspberry! His playful gesture was a reminder not to take life too seriously — laughter and lightheartedness are part of the journey.
Nearby, a white egret and a reddish egret stood together in the shallows. They unanimously agreed on today’s message,
“Lean in. Stay grounded through your feet while leaning toward your goal. It’s the balance of being present, yet light and ready for action. That is our secret to success.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Stand tall and soar
Ahhhhhhh… Mother Nature began the day with heart-opening pink rays streaming up into the sky. They lingered for nearly 20 minutes before gently fading, making way for the sun to rise big and bright.
The chatty flock was smaller today, among them was a great black-backed gull, the largest gull in the world.
He brings us the message, “I am a bird of confidence. I carry myself with an air of royalty, encouraging you to embody your own confidence. Regardless of your purpose, stand tall and let your light shine for all to see. You see, being your best self can shift those around you.”
As the sun climbed higher, the morning fog began to lift just as a rocket launched to the south, streaking upward like a glowing match high in the sky, reminding us that when you rise with confidence, you too can soar to new heights.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Hi! I’m Shelley’s Shadow
Bath time with friends
Hi!
Great black backed gull
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A Day with Uncle Larry
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A Day with Uncle Larry
When I first started photographing the dolphins, three stood out with numbers on their dorsal fins: 918, 910, and 968. I had never seen this before, so I called a friend in the dolphin world who connected with the original researcher.
It turns out, these dolphins were part of a health assessment back in 2004. The numbers on their dorsal fins are like a bird’s band on its foot — a way for scientists to track and study them. At that time, all three were healthy males.
One of them, 968, is the dolphin many of you now know as Uncle Larry. In 2004, he was estimated to be around 25 years old, which makes him about 46 years old today!
I first met Uncle Larry in 2018 when he swam into the lagoon with a mom and her calf. Since then, he has come and gone, always willing to pose for plenty of photos.
He and jagger along with a solo mom and calf have been in the lagoon 2 days this week. This video highlights his incredible athleticism and spirit, even at his mature age. And at the end, you’ll spot his best friend, Jagger, right alongside him.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Find your center
Pink rays of light streamed past the deep blue sky 40 minutes before sunrise, starting the morning with a heart-expanding vibe. The flock was already gathered at the edge of the ocean, ready for bath time, when I arrived.
Twice a gull scored a fish, each victory followed by a high-speed chase — their Top Gun maneuvers on full display as they outflew determined pursuers.
As the sun rose from behind a cloud on the horizon, the light glowed almost white, revealing a faint “sunbow” or halo on the right of the sun and a rainbow-colored shape on the left. To me, it looked like a person flying to the left across the sky — what do you see?
The sun halo brings a message of unity and hope. When it forms a full circle, it reminds us to return to our own center, finding balance and calm within, even when life feels bumpy. Like the halo itself, wholeness is always present — sometimes faint, sometimes bold — but always surrounding us.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
A faint rainbow - sunbow
If you can dream it, you can do it!
Holy Moly! This morning’s sunrise had it all — dramatic clouds, sunlight bursting from behind them, a rocket launch, the flock, and the powerful energy of a partial solar eclipse paired with the upcoming autumn equinox energy!
At first light, dark and brooding clouds stretched across the sky, slowly breaking apart to make way for brilliant beams of sunlight.
Our message today comes from the eclipse, solstice, and rocket launch. As the new moon darkens the sky and the solar eclipse briefly hides the sun, the equinox stands as a balancing point. Together they create a cosmic pause, between light and dark, past and future.
No matter where you are in the world, the equinox reminds us that we are all standing under the same sky, sharing this moment of cosmic harmony together.
It’s a powerful moment to plant the deepest seeds of your heart, trust in the unseen, and allow the returning light to guide you toward your next becoming.
The rocket launch on this auspicious morning reminds us that every dream begins as a thought, a daydream, or even a wild fantasy. Use your imagination today to dream boldly and launch what you most desire into reality.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Fresh Starts with help
With the waning crescent moon hanging in the sky, wrapped in soft clouds and sweet light, the pre-sunrise sky was pure magic.
Rays of pink light streamed over the moon and spilled across the sky. As the sun rose, it sent out warm golden rays while the ocean glistened with orange sparkles.
This morning the sunrise crew came together to help a tiny hatchling find support.
Safely in the hands of Beach Patrol, the wee one brings us today’s message, “I’m here to remind you that fresh starts are possible. Receive help when it comes your way. Embrace new beginnings, trust the unknown — you’ve got this.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Playful sunrise
I'm away from the sunrise today, back tomorrow. I thought some playful photos would be a great start to your Friday.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Snacks, Snuggles…..Repeat
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: Snacks, Snuggles…..Repeat
Uncle Larry and Jagger, a male pair of inseparable best friends, escorted a few moms and their calves into the lagoon for a lunchtime gathering.
They feasted on mullet and redfish between playful snuggles and slow swims, turning the lagoon into their own lunchtime lounge.
The weather was moody — shifting from overcast to bursts of sunshine to a passing rain shower — but that only added to the fun. Nothing could stop this midday fiesta of snacks, snuggles, and good company!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Fins Up! Show me your belly!
Soak up the light, trust in the timing
I was at the beach before first light, enjoying the sliver of a moon, almost in perfect alignment with Jupiter and Venus. The glow on the horizon slowly grew until the sun rose from behind the clouds.
Our message today comes from the cosmos, the fish, and the flock. The planets and moon remind us that timing is a part of alignment — when people, places, and things come together, energy flows. They encourage us to trust the timing, even when we can’t yet see the full picture.
The fish gliding inside the wave and the flock dancing in the sun glow both encourage us to immerse ourselves in the sunlight. The fish teaches us to move with the current, trusting the unseen depths to guide us, while the flock reminds us to lift off and follow the light when it calls.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode - In the Middle of Lunchtime
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode - In the Middle of Lunchtime
This video will give you the feeling you are right there in the middle of the lunch time, because you are! Pelicans along with Daniko, a male dolphin are snacking on mullet
Stay tuned for more tales!
Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Be Grounded and light
As I walked to the beach, the sky was full of stars and the moon, glowing softly in a blue and pink as dawn began to bloom. The colors shifted gracefully — from pink, blue, and lavender to soft white streaming light — before the horizon turned a golden glow, wrapping the morning in warmth.
The moon was nestled close to Jupiter, with Venus hovering low above the ocean. Together, Jupiter and the moon said, “We bring you a message of optimism and blessings. Open your wings and your heart, and let the cosmic green light guide your way.”
As the sky brightened, two reddish egrets danced through the shallows, enjoying breakfast together. The larger egret floated by with wings wide, bringing us the message of being grounded.
“Like the champion fighter, Muhammad Ali, I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee! My long legs keep me grounded in the moment, but I stay light — ready to pivot and leap when life says ‘Go!’
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Moon and Jupiter 45 minutes before sunrise
Look for the silver linings
Yippeeeee! The sun was bright ab beautiful today accompanied by cool weather. Loads of birds today! When a bike passed by quickly the flock flew away as one unit soaking up the sunlight before returning to rest on the beach.
A handful of surfers were enjoying the caramel colored waves. As the sun peeked from behind the cloud on the horizon, it traced the edges in gold, turning an ordinary silver lining into a golden one.
A silver lining reminds us of the good hidden within a challenge, just like sunlight outlining a storm cloud. This morning reminds us that sometimes life offers us not just a silver lining, but a golden one—extra light to guide us forward.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Flashback to Baby Sarafina and Momma Sarabi
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Flashback to Baby Sarafina and Momma Sarabi
Baby Sarafina swam into the lagoon back in May of this year, and what a treat it was! She and Momma Sarabi spent so much time here, giving me endless opportunities to photograph their sweet connection.
These are a few never-before-posted moments that show just how adorable this little nugget was.
Momma Sarabi and Baby Sarafina have their own gallery on my website, as you’ll see they loved to hug and play out of the water.
https://www.shelleylynchphotos.com/baby-sarafina
Stay tuned for more tales!
what you want from others is showing you what to give yourself
Mother Nature brought us another soothing blue and white sunrise with a passing kiss of orange. Soft rays of white light streamed into the sky from behind the thunder clouds while the flock enjoyed their morning bath time.
The wet sand reflected the pastel beauty, making the morning feel expansive and calm. One Legger used the wind to hover overhead, showing off his incredible balance and flying skills.
On the way off the beach, a very chatty squirrel stopped on the boardwalk to deliver today’s message.
Placing his tiny hands on his chest, he said, “When in doubt, go within. Place your hands on your heart and give it the love and peace it needs. If you are unsure what it needs, remember that what you want from others is often showing you what to give yourself.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tune into your heart and give it what it needs.
Change your view for a new perspective
The wind was whipping again this morning making it easy for the flock of laughing gulls to hang in place while watching the sun rise.
The color show was muted starting off blue and white adding just a soft hint of gold when they sun was up bringing the heat.
With the flock suspended in midair, I snapped photos from underneath, the moon still hanging nearby. They said, “We bring the message of changing your view to gain a different perspective. You see, just the slightest shift can change how you see things. Give it a try and see what you see.”
After sunrise, Uncle Larry, jagger a few moms and their kiddos swam into the lagoon for breakfast and playtime. Stay tuned for the full story.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Wingman
Pixar with the moon
Embrace your superpower, the ability to create harmony
The wind carried a hint of coolness as my feet hit the sand this morning. As the sun rose from behind the clouds, it painted the horizon in a deep orange glow that shifted to gold as it climbed higher.
When events in the world feel heavy or heartbreaking, I turn to nature for comfort. Today I wondered what message would arrive to guide us through these times.
As I was photographing the sea oats and sunrise, I thought of my late husband’s words: “Even in sadness, there is good in the world.” As I turned to walk off the beach, a single dove stood waiting among a sea of yellow flowers. Her soulful eyes spoke volumes.
She said, “Feel your emotions fully. Let yourself grieve, then remember your quiet superpower: the ability to create harmony around you. Every small act of kindness, every choice to respond with compassion, every moment you choose love over fear ripples outward. You are never powerless.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Bird catches Ride to Hospital
My Apologies, this was from yesterday, 9.10.25
No sunrise post today....instead a royal tern gets a ride to the hospital.
At sunrise, a few of us noticed this little royal tern dragging his feathers, clearly struggling. When the flock took off and he couldn’t follow, I scooped him up, with help from a kind visitor and bundled him safely in a towel.
I’m certain this was his/her first car ride. As we arrived at the Marine Science Center, a rainbow appeared next to the lighthouse — a perfect sign of hope for this little nugget to recover. While we waited for the amazing staff to come out and collect their newest patient, a lovely couple snapped this photo of us.
Here’s to this little nugget getting the care he needs and feeling better than ever.
Thank you to the Marine Science Center for all you do for our local wildlife.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
be the peace you want to see in the world
Instead of the forecasted rain, we were gifted a beautifully dramatic sunrise with so many colors!
The huge moon lingered bright in the sky, drifting in and out of cozy clouds while a soft, salty breeze filled my lungs. Every color in the crayon box lit up the horizon, painting the clouds with a vibrant glow.
The very chatty flock flew in early, eager for bath time. Among them stood a young laughing gull whose feathers shaped a white peace sign.
He looked over and said, “I’m here to remind you to be the peace you want to see in the world. Just as the moon lights the dark sky and the sun paints the clouds, you carry the power to bring calm, beauty, and harmony wherever you go.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Peace Feathers
Full moon encourages remembering your purpose
The full moon hung bright and beautiful in the sky this morning, wrapped in soft, cozy clouds as I walked to the beach.
The sunrise was quiet yet powerful, painted in shades of blue, white, grey, and just a hint of pink glowing under the heavy horizon clouds.
Our message today comes from the moon and a duck couple who were enjoying a newly formed pond from the rain last night.
The Man in the Moon said, “This is not an ordinary moon. I am here to encourage letting go like never before and remind you of what lights up your heart with love and passion. Even if you didn’t see the eclipse yesterday, its energy is still here to help you break free of old patterns.”
The duck couple added, “If the energy feels intense, remember to flow with it. Stay grounded and open. Not to worry, you’ll know when to paddle, when to rest, and when it’s time to fly.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
