Built to rise and soar
Ahhhhh… with a slight cool breeze and a calm ocean, the morning felt peaceful, beautiful, and restorative.
The sun rose from behind a line of clouds, sending a golden pathway of sparkles stretching all the way to shore. Clear blue sky waited patiently for the sun to climb higher, wrapping the beach in warmth as it arrived.
Several flocks were scattered along the water’s edge, ready for bath time. Several osprey lined up like planes at an airport—one after another diving with precision for breakfast.
Even though the waves were small, one osprey looked like it might be swallowed by the swell. Yet moments later, with flapping wings, she lifted up and gave herself a good shake.
The osprey said, “I am tenacious. I’m here to remind you that when the waves of life feel overwhelming, remember—you are stronger than you think, built to rise up and soar.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Osprey flapping to rise up
Connect, love and be loved
Mother Nature brought us a reflective sunrise, using the wet sand to mirror the beauty rising on the horizon. The air was still with barely a whisper of breeze, adding to the serenity. The sun seemed to lift in slow motion, giving the ocean an extra-long golden kiss goodbye for the day.
The flock flew in ready for bath time and connection. Pelican Highway glided past the sun with sailboats shimmering in the distance.
One Legger was the first to say hello, followed by Pixar, Fred Astaire, Peg, and Hook. It seems most of the winter flock has officially arrived in Florida.
Peg and Hook bring us today’s message of self-love, connection, and beauty.They said, “Yes, we have injuries — and that’s part of our story. We are still strong. We are still beautiful. And we are ready to connect, love and be loved.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
One Legger
Hook
Fred Astaire
Peg
New Marketing Director for Shelley Lynch Photography
Recharge your spirit, Awaken your inner glow
Ahhhhh, Mother Nature brought us a beautiful sunrise with a light breeze and cool temperature. The chatty flock flew in, their reflections dancing across the wet sand, wings kissed by golden light.
The gulls said, “Did you know the sun is very active right now? We highly recommend taking a few minutes to soak up the sunlight—now more than ever.”
“Sunlight is universal, connecting us all. Each ray carries both warmth and wisdom, activating the heart and clearing the mind. When you open your wings and heart to receive it, you align with the rhythm of creation itself. The light reminds us that even when the world feels uncertain, the energy of love and renewal never stops shining.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon — Episode: Boys Only
Tales from the Lagoon — Episode: Boys Only
It’s been all about the boys in the lagoon these last couple of days. Charley and M, Ocean and Whisper, Daniko and Jasper, Uncle Larry and Jagger, and Razor with his bestie — who still needs a name.
The dolphins weren’t in a jumping mood, preferring to show off their speed instead. They were all about the zoomies — hydroplaning across the choppy water with effortless grace, mullet in mouth, gliding like pros in their playground.
Meanwhile, the pelicans took over the dock — sunning, preening, and engaging in a little friendly sword fighting.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Tuesday sunrise is previous post
Be willing to show up as you are…and open
Baby, it’s cold outside! Old Man Winter is visiting sunny Florida, bringing us a windy and beautiful sunrise. As the sun rose, golden light streamed from behind the clouds like rain made of light.
The wind whipped across the waves, lifting white spray into the air, a stunning mix of power and beauty. The chatty flock flew in from the ocean. We stayed low together to keep warm, skipping bath time until later, when the sun climbs higher.
On my way off the beach, an immature bald eagle soared overhead, looking straight at the camera.The young eagle, a blend of youth and wisdom, uncertainty and raw power, brings the message of becoming.
Some say today, 11.11, opens a powerful portal, a sacred threshold that mirrors the eagle’s transformation. The energy supports us in letting go of what’s old and stepping into what’s new.
The eagle said, “We are learning as we grow. Be willing to show up as you are — bold, curious, and ready to see and know more. Use the energy of today to soar higher.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
immature bald eagle
Make space for transformation
The morning arrived painted in shades of blue and white, with whipping wind and cool temperatures. Rather than sharing overcast photos with the flock, I thought it would be a sunny way to start the day by showing a few favorites from the week that didn’t make the post.
With the cooler weather in Florida, lizards and frogs begin to fall from the trees. One sweet little frog asked to be warmed up for a few minutes.
While hanging out, he said, “I am the message of transition. Be open to opportunities hopping into your life — and don’t be surprised if they come from the past. I’m also here to remind you to let go of what you no longer need, making space for transformation.”
Wishing you a beautiful day, friends!
A dancing duo to make you laugh
With thick fog, the sun stayed hidden so I thought I'd share a dance party video from yesterday. The gull started dancing on my head so I joined in. The Sunrisers are calling this bird Fred Astaire. Hope it gives you a good laugh to start your day!
Surrender…you are supported
Golden rays streamed through the sky as my feet touched the sand. The stillness and beauty was breathtaking.
As the flock flew in, a streak of light cut across the pre-dawn sky — a glowing trail that looked like a meteor or debris heading toward the ocean, reminding us to be open to the unexpected.
When the sun rose, it looked teed up like a glowing gold ball ready bringing warmth and sparkles to the waves. Bait fish shimmered in the surf, calling the flock in for breakfast.
One gull leaned back, wings open wide, and said, “I bring the message of surrender. Lean back and let the wind carry you. When you relax into life, you discover how naturally everything finds its flow.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
This came from the north heading toward the ocean at 6:17am. Satellite Re-Entry Event: Around 6:15 a.m. ET, a defunct SpaceX Starlink satellite (STARLINK-3313, COSPAR ID 50157) re-entered the atmosphere over northern and central Florida, breaking up into multiple flaming pieces visible from locations like Nocatee, Gainesville, Titusville, Merritt Island, Port St. Lucie, Ruskin, and the northeast beaches. Eyewitnesses described it as a bright trail with green flashes and explosions (likely from burning materials), resembling the 2003 Columbia shuttle breakup. Videos and photos captured the debris streaking north-to-south, with faint sonic booms reported in some areas. The Aerospace Corporation confirmed the re-entry; no ground impacts or hazards were reported.
This is a controlled de-orbit of old satellites to prevent space junk—common for Starlink’s end-of-life vehicles—and not a launch failure.
Surrender, lean back, trust
rest to refuel and stay strong
First light was serene — soft dark blue reflecting on the wet sand, kissed by a gentle hint of orange. It was a quiet beauty, fleeting and subtle, before the colors faded into an overcast blue and white palette.
The first photo is from today. The others are either from this week or another week. Bringing the message of mixing things up.
The gulls gathered for their morning ritual, splashing in the shallows and getting squeaky clean alongside a solo egret who joined the fun. Once bathed and refreshed, many of them rested close together, wings tucked in, eyes half-closed in peace.
Their message today is simple but important, “Please slow down when you see us resting. Don’t run or ride through the flocks. This time of year, many of us are weary from long migrations or chilly winds. We just need a moment to rest, refuel, and breathe to stay strong…. just like you.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Playful Hang Time
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Playful Hang Time
Cliff and Boop were in the lagoon yesterday when the water was clear, the wind was low and playful vibes were high. The hum you hear in the background is from dredging nearby.
First, you’ll see Cliff swim over and say hello before going to get a fish. While he is swimming back, Boop comes over for a playful connection. Boop got his name because he loves to swim under the pelicans and give them a boooop!
If you want to see the video of Boop teasing pelicans click https://youtu.be/xz4PyWp5hOAThis to see it on my Youtube channel.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Your light leads the way
Good Morning! Mother Nature brought us a peaceful sunrise with the Beaver Full Moon setting as the sun rose to greet the day. The sun lingered, giving the ocean a long golden kiss goodbye.
I was so excited to see Peg, the laughing gull, has returned to New Smyrna Beach for the winter! Peg has been showing up since I began photographing the flock in 2018 — strong, healthy, and still soaring high with her little peg leg leading the way. She’s a true symbol of resilience and grace.
The Beaver Full Moon carries the energy of preparation and strength. Its light encourages us to release old patterns and ready ourselves for the next season of growth. Can you feel it? I know I am.
The Man in the Moon and Peg come together to say, “Even when life changes your rhythm or clips your pace, keep showing up with strength and heart, your light still leads the way.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
I’m Back! Said Peg the laughing gull
Peg looking strong
Grounded and gratitude
Good Morning!
The morning was full of life and energy as the Beaver Full Moon slipped through the clouds toward the horizon over the river just as the sun rose over the ocean.
A soft breeze, warm golden tones, and a sky full of motion set the tone for a vibrant start. A very chatty flock flew in hot ready to connect. They said, “Keep your heart and wings open to lift each other up.”
The Man in the Moon brings us today’s message: “Use my energy to reflect on all you’ve accomplished. Notice the patterns you’ve outgrown and gently release what no longer serves your journey."
"I am powerful this cycle, making it necessary to stay grounded, stay steady. And remember, gratitude is your superpower. Let it guide you as the tides of energy move around you. You got this!”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Open heart and wings lifting each other up
Stay open to messages
The flock was out in full force, gulls, ruddy turnstones, and sandpipers stretching as far as I could see in both directions. The little ones scurried about looking for breakfast while the laughing gulls took their time with bath rituals, splashing, shaking, and soaking in the glow.
After sunrise, I ran into a blue jay perched in a tree, with a squirrel proudly standing just below, both ready to chat.
The blue jay leaned in and said, “I am here to remind you of the power of your voice and your communication. Like me, you are a receiver. Stay open to messages coming to you, trust your intuition.”
The squirrel, standing tall in all his glory added, “YES! Embrace you. Embrace your gifts and all you have to offer.” Click on the photos under squirrel to see his advice if you feel vulnerable being naked.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!!
The smallest touch can create a shift
A cool, moist breeze greeted us today, making the morning feel fresh and alive. The sun played peek-a-boo behind a cloud on its way up, before filling the sky with a buttery gold glow.
The flock was already waiting at the ocean’s edge when I arrived One gull gave himself a good shake saying, “Movement of any kind helps release what doesn’t belong — the bugs, the stress, even old feathers we no longer need. Shake out the heaviness. Let your energy breathe again.”
I’ve been photographing the flock since 2018. Last year, a gull landed on my head two or three times — a rare treat. This year it’s almost daily, reminding us trust may take time. When the little feet touch my head I can feel my whole body relax.
Despite their little size their energy is surprisingly powerful. a reminder that even the smallest touch can shift our energy and open our hearts.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Resourceful to be balanced
Ahhhhh, with minimal wind and a calm ocean, the sunrise was peaceful and beautiful. The color palate was a soft pink, golden and orange with just a few fluffy clouds.
A flock of gulls flew in close by while another flock stayed about a half mile to the south. Despite being separated they seemed to be connected. Even with distance between them, they moved as one. When the northern flock took off with the zoomies, the southern flock lifted too, like a joyful wave rolling down a stadium.
They remind us that we are always connected — even when space or life stretches between us. After sunrise I ran into a squirrel mom who said, “Don’t hoard your nuts. I’m a reminder to be resourceful as a way to find balance with work and play."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~. I'll be at Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille today from 12-4 with 2026 Calendars and holiday ornaments. Stop by and say hello!
Slowing it down to connect
Good Morning! It was a stunning morning — a whisper of wind, a calm ocean, and a big beautiful sun rising bringing us warmth.
The flock arrived early, wings and hearts wide open, glowing in that golden orange light of pre dawn. Their chatter filled the air. a loud chorus celebrating a brand-new day. Out on the water, Pelican Highway was busy in both directions, riding the waves with ease and grace.
One laughing gull hovered in close, pausing right in front of me sharing the message of the day. He said, "When your heart and wings are open you can inner beauty shines effortlessly. Slow down to connect and share this beauty with others."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Spot the Egret Greeting
We have had some intense storms with a lot of wind…. I usually see Spot the egret every day but with a lot of rain I didn’t see him for 3 days. Always good to be reunited!
And it’s Friday Halloween….I asked ChatGpt to add a pumpkin to my dolphins photo. :)
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Reminiscing About Baby Sarafina
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Reminiscing About Baby Sarafina
If you’re just tuning in, Momma Sarabi recently swam into the lagoon with her newest little one, Sarafina, at the end of May this year. This is her third baby I’ve had the privilege to meet since 2019. What a honor to witness her growing family over the years.
I’m taking a little trip down memory lane to when baby Sarafina was tiny. These photos were never posted because Sarabi and Sarafina gave me so many photo opportunities.
If you want to see more, they have their very own gallery on my website. https://www.shelleylynchphotos.com/baby-sarafina
Stay tuned for more tales!
PS ~ Friday sunrise is previous post
You are resilient! You got this!
Good Morning! A windy and chilly start to the day brought us a beautiful landscape. The crisp air, clouds and wind teamed up to usher in a heart opening sunrise.
The chatty flock flew in hot, banking sideways as they slammed on the brakes landing for our bath time together.
Wind blowing the opes of thew waves send sparkles of water in the air looking like diamonds dancing in the sky.
A Cooper’s hawk landed on the rook near the beach bringing us the message today. She said, “I am here to encourage you to listen to your instincts. You are resilient and able to overcome obstacles with your courage. Trust your decision making and be ready to take action when you feel inspired.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Be the lighthouse
With cooler temperatures, the morning was crisp and windy. Before the sun even touched the horizon, the lighthouse cast its glow across the sky.
The flock arrived early, chatty and ready for bath time — wings open, hearts open, connecting as always.
This morning, the lighthouse bring us the message.
“Be a lighthouse. When the world feels heavy or uncertain, when you aren't sure what to do, shine anyway. A lighthouse doesn’t calm the sea or stop the storm. It simply holds steady and offers light so others can find their way.”
“Not all lighthouses look the same, and neither do we. Each one is significant, shining in its own way, its own strength. Just like the lighthouse, your light matters. Be a beacon."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
