Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Hugs, Kisses and Snuggles
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Hugs, Kisses and Snuggles
More snuggle photos from a couple of days ago! The maternity pod — three moms, their calves, and two playful boys — spent hours in the lagoon enjoying carefree play and loving connection.
They tossed mangrove seeds, chased fish, and snuggled for hours, showing us what pure joy and gentle affection look like in the wild.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Mom and Calf
Kisses
Tales from the Lagoon - Episode - Dolphin Play, Pure Joy
Tales from the Lagoon - Episode - Dolphin Play, Pure Joy
This is 2 clips about 2 hours apart. The snuggles, nursing, fish catching and love fest went on for several hours.
Invite list included 3 moms and their calves along with 2 males, Ocean and Whisper.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Nature in love
We are having a dark and rainy start to the day. I thought sharing nature in love would be a nice way to start the day.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Happiest Dolphin Party Ever
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Happiest Dolphin Party Ever
These are just a few photos of the great party, more to come.
The first mom dolphin I met at the end of 2017 was in the lagoon with 2 other moms and their calves. The calves were having the best with with other, the moms and even a couple of males!
So many stories to share from today....
Stay tuned for more tales!
There is another dolphin under the water, they swam over to get the fun photographed
Baby sliding by on his back
Sweet Snuggles
Receiving is a gift
The ocean was churning, sending salty spray into the air, mingling with the scent of seaweed. A flock of gulls flew in just as the horizon turned pink around the fluffy clouds.
The sun rose in a soft shade of gold, streaming rays of light across the ocean and filling the morning with a supportive, uplifting vibe.
Among the flock was a banded gull, plumper than the others, which makes me think he was recently released from the hospital. He said, “Sometimes we birds need a little help."
"The people who cared for me reminded me that giving and receiving is a two-way street. Letting others help isn’t weakness—it’s a gift for both the giver and the receiver.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Make space to receive
Using clouds, wind, and color, Mother Nature delivered a dramatic sunrise — where purple rain gently gave way to golden streams of light mixed with rain.
Rain kissed the earth as the day broke, while the flock swept in, dancing in the wind, hovering near the glowing Harvest Moon before heading to the ocean to get squeaky clean, a daily ritual of renewal.
The rain and the radiant full moon joined forces, sharing a message of cleansing and release. Let go of the old. Wash it away. Make space to receive. Soak in the nourishing light. This full moon is not only a supermoon — it’s supercharged with energy to assist you in transformation.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Purge so you are ready for the next chapter
The wind was whipping today accompanied by a churning ocean. The chatty flock of laughing gulls were already at the edge of the ocean when I arrived.
Once again, they had the zoomies—darting off and back several times, playing with the wind like it was their playground. The moon was setting as the sun began its rise, hidden behind a thick horizon cloud.
Then, just as if on cue, a single ray of golden light pierced through the rain cloud—sending out a beam of hopeful light.
The churning ocean was spitting out garbage wrapped in sargassum seaweed. The ocean’s ability to purge along with the message of the full moon remind us to use this time to cleanse.
The man in the moon said, “Use my full moon energy to release and purify your mind, body and spirit. Now is the time to release what no longer serves you, so you can step forward feeling bold, strong and ready for your next chapter.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Let your heart’s fire shine
The moon was bright and beautiful setting about 90 minutes before the sun came up to greet the day. With an overcast sky I wasn’t sure we would have a sunrise but thanks to the wind the clouds parted, the color show came and brought us a beautiful start to the day.
The chatty flock flew in hovering in place when they didn’t have the zoomies, darting back and forth several times.
The harvest supermoon brings us a powerful message today. The moon said, “I am here to encourage using my energy to be courageous. Full moons ask us to let go of what we no longer need. This month I ask you to receive my surge of energetic support to be bold, channel your passion, let your heart's fire shine bright.”
Wishing you a bold and beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fish Fly, Pelican Play
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fish Fly, Pelican Play
It was another lively day in the lagoon with various pods of dolphins coming and going. On today’s menu — mostly mullet, with a few sheepshead and a mangrove snapper tossed in for variety.
Check out that flying mullet! The fish stayed airborne for four frames before splashing back into the water, where the dolphin swiftly scooped it up.
Meanwhile, the pelicans floated nearby, ever hopeful that the dolphins might feel generous and toss them a fish. It’s true, I’ve seen it happen! Sometimes a dolphin will toss a fish toward the pelicans just to watch the mayhem unfold.
In these portraits, the pelicans show off their different stages of plumage — from the soft brown and white of a youngster which is called immature to the first hints of color that appear as they mature into the golden or white-headed adults.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Cloudy Day Mullet Mayhem
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Mullet Mayhem
The day had it all — rain, clouds, sun, wind, and a whole lot of fish for lunch! It was like a convenience store on the water, with several pods popping in to grab snacks.
Around 11:30, three dolphins cruised into the lagoon for lunch and snuggles. After about an hour and a half, Momma E arrived with her newborn calf and a few females and their claves.
The tiny one was so small and dark, all the signs of a brand-new baby. Sadly, I didn’t get a photo of the little nugget before they left, along with the original trio.
Just a few minutes later, Cliff and Boop a couple of male besties swam in taking full advantage of the mullet buffet, tossing in a few mangrove snapper for good measure. They ate, and ate... and ate!
Stay tuned for more tales!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Dolphin saying, “did you get it?”
Patience, adaptability and purification
The pre-sunrise sky was the best color of the day — pink, soft cotton ball clouds forming the shape of a giant heart in a blue canvas. The air was thick with the salty scent of seaweed washed ashore, a reminder of nature’s constant cycle of cleansing and renewal.
The beach was alive with wildlife, the flock, a solo plover, a chatty vulture, and even an unexpected armadillo exploring the grass.
As muted golden rays streamed through the clouds, a vulture landed just a few feet away, meeting my gaze with soulful eyes. The vulture said, “I know I am not everyone’s favorite bird, but I have a vital role in the ecosystem, reminding everyone has an important part to play. I am also the messenger of purification and transformation — I remind you that even what seems dark or unwanted has purpose.”
Nearby, a solo plover picked at the seaweed buffet, then paused to look at the camera. The plover said, “I am here to remind you that patience and vigilance are quiet strengths. When you stay grounded and alert, your next step will become clear.”
Together they brought a shared message: Cleanse yourself of what no longer serves you, stay patient as life unfolds, and adapt to what comes with grace.
The armadillo, offered one more tidbit of wisdom as he zipped by "If you are unsure what to do next, dig deep, the truth is always within you.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Semipalmated Plover
Soulful vulture
Bravery is measured by the heart
With rain forecasted for sunrise, I was surprised to see the color show just before the sun came up behind the clouds on the horizon.
Mother Nature mixed several colors, giving us a unique color palette. Waves rolled in, sending salty foam flying in the wind. The flock flew in, using the wind to hang in place. Pixar the laughing gull hung overhead to connect.
On my way off the beach, I heard the call of a bald eagle. Looking up, I saw an immature bald eagle being chased by a crow not even half the size of the regal predator.
The crow said, “Never underestimate small but mighty. I may not have the eagle’s wingspan, but I carry courage in my flight. I remind you that bravery isn’t measured by size or strength—it’s measured by heart. Stand tall in your space. You belong here too.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Pixar the laughing gull
Immature bald eagle with. crow in hot pursuit
Utilize the elements
With whipping winds of 15–25 mph, the morning felt invigorating! The ocean churned as the sky came alive with soft pastels, soon giving way to a golden glow as the sun crept upward. The wet sand reflected the shifting colors and clouds, transporting us to a mystical place between earth and sky.
A small flock arrived late, darting back and forth before finally pausing to connect. They said, “Embrace the elements around you. Instead of resisting, allow the elements to hold and support you.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Trust your inner compass
The wind is whipping and the rain is pouring here in “sunny” Florida. Since sunrise is hiding today, I thought I’d share one of my favorite Mom Turtles I’ve had the honor of witnessing on her journey. Truly inspiring.
She reminds us that sometimes the path forward looks long and possibly daunting. Momma Turtle said, “Dig deep, you are strong and supported. Trust your inner compass and keep moving forward, not to worry if you need to pause for rest. You got this!”
If you haven’t seen her full journey, you can watch the video on Youtube through the link below. It’s a beautiful reminder of strength, persistence, and the magic of nature.
https://youtu.be/39NK9u5v31I...
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Trust the inner changes
The morning started with a grey white palette, with just a hint of pink before the sun came up brining with a golden glow and an uplifting vibe.
The flock flew in leading with their hearts, wings open ready to soak up the sunlight. The ocean churned sending white salty spray in the air.
After sunrise, a butterfly appeared, its orange and black wings glowing brightly against the green bush.
The butterfly said, “I’m a reminder of transformation. I’m a reminder to surrender to any inner changes. Trust the metamorphosis is happening even when you feel a lull. What i know for sure is, the end result is quite beautiful.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~ Check out previous post to see calednars coming for 2026
Lead with your heart
Gull Fritillary - Butterfly
2026 CALENDARS
The calendars are ready to go to the printer! I’ll have more details coming soon….You will have 2 options again this year, SUNRISE & SUNSET or WILDLIFE
Safety of friends and clearing space for the new
With a soft breeze and blue and white colors, the pre-sunrise was calming and soothing. The beauty reflecting on the wet sand helped my nervous system settle by matching the stillness.
The chatty flock was gone yesterday to avoid the storm but back today, ready for bath time and some much-needed self-care.
Many of the birds, including One Legger, were napping in the safety of the flock. One Legger said, “We feel safe enough to relax when we are together. This time if year we are very tired, please run into us when we are gathered."
Another gull, pulling out old feathers, chimed in saying, “Molting is our version of transformation. Pulling out feathers to make room for new growth can be a bit sticky. I’m here to remind you that even when letting go of the old feels hard, stay the course- you are clearing space for the new.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
One Legger resting in the safety of the flock
Pull out the old feathers clearing space for the new
Don’t feed distractions
At first light the shrimp boats were lit up on the horizon under the red sky. From there Mother Nature used every crayon in the box mixing them together giving us a cornucopia of colors.
The flock flew in before sunrise loud and chatty ready for bathtime. Getting the bugs never felt so good. A chatty flock of royal terns joined the laughing gulls and were deep in conversation.
On the way off the beach a ghost crab was hanging just outside it’s home. The crab said, "I am a reminder that sometimes in life we need to go sideways or even backwards to move forward."
He also seemed unfazed by the ants crawling on him so I asked him about it. His said, "Distractions only hold the power we allow, and when we stop feeding them, they lose their grip.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Royal terns
Crab seemed unfazed by the ants on him
One step at a time
The soft white and pink rays of light jetting into the blue sky were breathtaking this morning. The flock was back in full force, splashing in bath time and frolicking across the glassy wet sand.
One of the gulls walking by said, “When things feel a bit overwhelming, take it one step at a time. You see slowing and enjoying the moment takes all the pressure off.”
As the sun rose higher from behind the clouds, a pair of dolphins swam southbound just beyond the waves. They paused to pop up and share their message of spontaneous connection, “Be open to unexpected interactions and playful moments, sometimes the best things happen unplanned.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Mullet Madness & Redfish
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode – Mullet Madness & Redfish
It was one of those days where I didn’t know where to point the camera!
Uncle Larry, Jagger, 2 male dolphins with a mom, and her calf filled the lagoon with a full-on fish fest. Between snuggles and hang time, the boys, along with mom chased schools of mullet through the shallows with bursts of speed and tail slaps.
Stay tuned for more tales!
