Curiosity brings new friends
Mother Nature brought us a dramatic sunrise with huge clouds, rain and a dark color palette. The breeze was light and the ocean was calm with some nice surfing waves rolling close to shred. The flock of seagulls flew in very loud and chatty for our usual bath time.
While I was in the water a nice woman stopped to photograph an egret hanging out on my bag. I came out to chat with them both.
I spoke to the egret who was very curious about my bag. She said, “It’s good to be curious. I’ve heard it kills cats but for us birds, it helps us find snacks and meet nice people. Curiosity is a great way to find new friends and connect. Go ahead, explore and see what happens.”
She stayed for a while and we watched the sunrise together enjoying the beginning of a new friendship.
Wishing you a day filled with curiosity.
Got fish?
Watching the sunrise
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- reunited with uncle larry….again!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Reunited with Uncle Larry….Again!
Today a maternity pod (consists of a couple moms, their calves and usually a male dolphin) came into the lagoon. I was super excited to see the dolphin called Uncle Larry!
Uncle Larry was named by the group of awesome people at HUBBS who monitor and care for the dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon.
I don’t think I’ve seen him since December 2021. Every time I have seen him, he has been with a maternity pod. I know it’s him because he has the number 968 on his dorsal fin.
I met him June of 2018 along with 2 other dolphins who also had numbers on their dorsal fins, 918, 910. I was curious because this was a first time I have ever seen numbers on dolphins.
I called my friend in the dolphin world who told me the numbers are probably from research and that she would make a few calls to ask around.
She was able to get in touch with the original researcher who told her the dolphins were part of a health assessment in 2004, they were all males and healthy in 2004. He said, in 2004, 968 was approximately 25 years old, 910 and 918 were around 23-24 years old. She said the researcher was so happy to hear how the dolphins were doing. Using the approximate ages from 2004, that means Uncle Larry is around 43 years old now!
918 is who I call Happy Buddha and the first dolphin who spent a lot of time with me. He is the first one to interact with the camera and show me we could communicate.
910 is called Maverick. When I first met him he was with Happy Buddha but I also noticed him spending time alone. He is a great athlete and gentle.
Today, he and the other adults were quite active chasing fish and leaping out of the water. His number looks a bit worn after all thee years but he seemed to be quite active! A new baby was in the mix and doing a great job hanging with the adults.
Stay tuned for more tales!
The number on his dorsal fin is a bit faded but still there 968
An adult ( I think the mom) with the baby
Fish Fly
When I first met Uncle Larry
Uncle Larry December last year
A gift to be seen
Another beautiful day in paradise with a very calm ocean and light breeze. The cloud formation looked like a city on the horizon. The growing flock of seagulls flew in extra chatty and full of acrobatic moves.
The bring the message of keeping your wings and hearts open to lift each other up. I’m happy to say some of our regular seagulls are retuning for the winter. I saw One Legger today and she was circling like a champ! Hope to see Hook, Tiger and Peg soon.
After sunrise I spent time with the female osprey who hangs on the boat overlooking the lagoon. When I approach wildlife I always ask if it is ok and I take my sunglasses off so they can see my intentions through my eyes.
This sweet osprey was very engaging and playful, a first for me. I asked her how she was and she said, “My foot hurts a little but I’m doing good overall.” She went on to look at me through her toes and from each side, each look her eyes softened, knowing I wasn’t going to cause her harm. She even seemed to play peek a boo through her toes. She’s a funny girl.
She said, “I bring the message of eye contact to connect with each other. Even from a distance you can have closeness through your eyes. I know it can feel a bit vulnerable, but it is a gift to truly be seen.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Peek a boo
Our angel loved ones are around
Ahhhhh, Mother Nature brought us a calm and reflective sunrise this morning. The flock of seagulls flew in to enjoy bath time together. Sand pipers and ruddy turnstones joined in the fun.
Pelican Highway was jammed with loads of traffic heading southbound. Perfect waves catching the light rolled toward shore while the sun came up to greet the day.
Little Piper was grabbing seaweed snacks bringing us the message of persistence. She said, “For me eating seaweed is a lot like picking up a pea with chopsticks, the yummy morsel can slip out of my beak. I know to stay the course, my persistence will pay off.”
As the sun came up, I could see people figures walking across the big ball of light. They bring us the message of support. They remind us that our angel loved ones are around and here to support and love us, always.
Wishing you day filled with love!
I see people in the sun
Pelican Highway
A tiny change can create a shift
It was a dark and cozy morning with a huge cloud formation on the horizon keeping the sun hidden. Fluffy white clouds rolled in giving us a sunrise that looked more like fall than summer.
The flock of seagulls flew in hot and chatty. It’s the time of year when they start retuning from their trek up north. Pelican Highway traffic was heavy gliding southbound.
During bath time the seagulls were very chatty bringing the message of self care. One of the seagulls pulling on a tiny feather said, “Even a tiny change can make a huge shift. Plucking this little feather can improve my mood and health.”
Another one getting squeaky clean by splashing in the water said, “Have fun with taking care of you. We know daily cleaning to destress is necessary for our health. I enjoy splashing around to get the bugs off. And it’s fun with friends!”
Wishing you a groovy day friends!
Pulling out an old feather can create a shift
You have all the tools and skills needed to move forward
WOW! What an exciting and beautiful morning filled with loads of wildlife. Pink rays of light jetted high in the sky bringing a hopeful vibe.
The clouds soaked up a unique pink and purple color show that switched to a mixture of every crayon in the box when the came up to greet the day.
So much life this morning! Huge schools of tiny fish made the water look black. The fish attracted loads of sharks, seagulls, egrets and pelicans. It was literally a feeding frenzy! And if that wasn’t enough excitement stingrays were also close to shore.
The sharks and stingrays bring the message today. They are both very sensitive creatures reminding us to tune in, using all our senses to know how to move forward. They both chimed in to say, “You have all the tools and skills you need to move forward and seize the abundant opportunities waiting for you.”
They went on tot say, “ We both know how to kick it to move swiftly if needed, reminding you to relax and trust you will know when to take action.”
Wishing you an abundant day friends!
Shark in the shallows on the right
Stingray trying to stay away from the sharks at my feet
When the shark got close the pelican took off.
Finding joy in everyday activities
It was a cozy, moody blues kind of sunrise. The flock of seagulls flew in early to enjoy bath time in the waves close to shore. The soft light, layer of salty fog and absence of a breeze added to the calm vibe of the morning.
The flock of seagulls said, “We highly recommend bathing to get the bugs off and feel refreshed. A few minutes of self care helps us to stay healthy. We also enjoy bathing together for company but for safety too.”
After sunrise a solo dolphin came in to grab snacks She said, “Finding joy in everyday activities is a great way to feel happy. I’m here to remind you to find balance and harmony with work and play.”
Wishing you beautiful day friends!
The energy of Joy
Good Morning!
With rain looming, I took the day off to rest, thought I'd share some of my favorite sunrise dolphin experiences to bring you the energy of joy for your day.
Wishing you a joyful day friends!
PS- Check out the Interview with Pip the Pelican in the previous post
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode -An Interview with Pip the pelican
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - An Interview with Pip the Pelican (It's a long one....trying to answer all the questions)
Shelly said people have asked her questions about me so while we spent time together today she interviewed me.
Q: How long have you known Shelley?
A: I met Shelley on March 24th when I was sitting on the beach not feeling good. A fisherman told Shelley about me being sick. She saw I had a filleted sheepshead fish stuck in my gullet, so 4 hoomans helped hold me and take the pokey fish out.
Q: Do you know what kind of bird you are?
A: Yes! I’m a very handsome brown pelican, actually I’m young so they call me immature. Shelley says I’m an old soul though.
Q: Why didn’t you go to the hospital?
A: I hate the doctor but the real reason is the hospital was closed because of a bird flu.
Q: How long did it take to feel better?
A: I’m not very good with time but I couldn’t fly for a long time. Shelley said it was almost 10 days. I slept on the beach with Spot the egret and Shelley. The three of us sat together for hours, rain or shine. Lucky for me the bird hospital told Shelley to feed me. I like fish, shrimp…not so much, they taste nasty. Those little feet are creepy.
Q: What’s your favorite fish?
A: I loved sardines. You see they are fatty fish that helped me get better but I like mullet the best. Yum!
Q: How is it Shelley can identify you?
A: We have spent almost every day together since March 24 and countless hours. She has over 2000 photos of me and my various shenanigans. She knows my every bump and boo boo. She says I’m the only pelican who gets in her personal space. I like to be really close and mouth breathe when I see her. I hang my head a little when I fly so she knows my flight style too.
Q: Has Shelley ever touched you?
A: Yes, She picked me up the day with the pokey fish and laid me on a floating dock to get the fish out. She also picked me up on May 10th when I was sick again. That day she put me in a dog crate and drove me to St Augustine. She only did this because the local hospital was still closed and the the facility in St Augustine couldn’t come get me. I was very dehydrated and sick.
Q: Does Shelley still touch you?
A: No, Even though I am very close she doesn't touch me. Sometimes I bump into her or flap my wings in her face, which makes her laugh.
Q: Did you like the car?
A: Yes and no. I liked watching everything go by so fast, it was less tiring than flying but I vomited because I was scared.
Q: How was the rehab place?
A: It was nice, they gave me lots of sardines. I ate and ate and ate until they set me free about a week later.
Q: Where did you go when you were set free?
A: In one day I flew home to my pole in New Smyrna Beach to be with my dolphin and bird friends. New Smyrna Beach is my home.
Q: How do you communicate?
A: Lots of ways! I have very expressive eyes, Shelley says they speak volumes. I also mouth breathe when I’m excited so it sounds like I’m exhaling over and over again.
Q: How does Shelley communicate with you?
A: She talks to me a lot with her voice. She also points and uses hand signals. When she puts one finger up that means, “Wait, I’ll be right back.” When she puts that finger in the air in a circle that means twirl. When she put her arms out to her side like an airplane that means time to fly. When I’m across the lagoon and see her do the airplane arms, I fly to her. When she waves good bye that means she has to leave and she will see me later.
Q: Do you approach other people?
A: No way. I paddle or fly away when other people walk out on the dock. Oh and those 4 legged furry things called dogs, they scare me a lot!
Q: Do you like the dolphins, manatees and other birds?
A: I like the dolphin called Momma Jade she is sweet and gentle with me. When the dolphins get frisky I get out of there, they are scary when they splash. Manatees freak me out, I always fly away when they show up. I like Spot the egret and Mikey the great egret most of the time…. unless they try to get Shelley’s attention, then I get pouty. I like most pelicans but boy can they be aggressive. I have learned to stand up for myself when I have to.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do?
A: I like playing the stick game. I like pulling on the mangroves until a stick comes loose then I carry it around tossing it up. Oh and I love bath time.
Q: What is your pet peeve?
A: I have a few. I don't like bugs, I had a lot when I sick, now I keep them off with bathing. I don't like noseeums at all! They make me crazy.
Q: Any last words for your fans?
A: Thank you for all the love and support! I know your prayers helped me get better. I'm doing great!
I’m obsessed with the house crabs live in.
Shedding old skin
With rain in the forecast the air was humid and salty. Mother Nature used her pastel color palette giving us a sweet and cozy vibe to the morning.
The ocean was calm with silver and pink light dancing across the surface as perfect waves rolled toward shore.
Surprisingly, a lizard showed up to enjoy the sunrise! I thought, really?! A lizard? I never know who is going to show to bring us the message of the day, today was a complete surprise.
Keeping with the almost new moon theme of the week the lizard brings us the message of shedding old skin.
She went on to say, “I bring the message of regeneration. I’m here to remind you to let go of the past, it’s ok to leave behind what you have outgrown. I also know to move forward, it is helpful to move swiftly, like pulling off a bandaid, just go for it.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Let the poop go
The clouds and color show were breathtaking this morning. Mother Nature used the dark and sultry color palette with the clouds soaking up the deep pink and reds.
With the absence of a breeze the stillness was palpable and made it easy to hear the flock of seagulls chatting before I reached the beach.
The refections on the shore, artistic clouds and quiet gave us a very serene and heart opening start to the day.
After sunrise I ran into a resident female osprey. I asked her if she had any wisdom to share when she lifted her tail feathers and relieved herself.
She said, “Don’t hold onto the old. Old energy held in becomes toxic. Take a deep breath, relax and let the poop go, you will feel so much better.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Let go to make room for new
Ahhhh, A lovely and sweet morning with a light breeze and calm ocean. The morning started with a pretty in pink color show in the sky and reflecting on the wet sand. Pelican Highway traffic was heavy flying southbound.
The almost new moon was on the horizon near Venus. Venus was named after the Goddess of Love and is called the lesser benefit. Jupiter is called the greater benefit. Planet Venus brings us kisses of love, pleasure and success.
Venus and the almost new moon together bring us a powerful message of letting go of old baggage to make room for new love, abundance, pleasure and beauty.
The flock of seagulls and a couple willets flew in for bath time. Willy the willet said, “I’m here to remind you when times feel tough, stand tall and keep stepping forward, one foot at a time. You got this!”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Almost new moon with Venus just below before the sunrise
Pelican Highway
A wonderful lady say with this bird for an hour and half, calling everyone for help. I helped her get this sweetie in her car so she could deliver to a wildlife rehab. Teamwork and compassion. :)
Tales from the lagoon - Pip the Pelican and Dolphins catch fish
Tales from the Lagoon ~. Episode - Pip the Pelican and the Dolphins catch Fish
It’s a slow time of year for the dolphins so I was excited to capture a little action this past week. The dolphin I call Whisper and Charley have visited the most.
They seem like best friends enjoying each others company, just chillin’ or rolling around with each other, grabbing a few snacks.
Pip the Pelican was gone for 5 days but when he came back looking good he was showing off his ability to grab the teeny fish. He said, “You gotta get low, then lunge into the school of fish. Once you get them in your pouch you gotta close your beak fast or the slippery suckers sneak out.”
He said, “Thank you for the love and support! I appreciate all of you!”
Stay tuned for more tales!
Pip with fish in his pouch
That’s me Pip! Slippery little fish
Violet the pelican
Be gentle as you go within
Mother Nature brought us a dark and romantic feeling sunrise. With a calm ocean and lack of breeze the stillness was palpable. So many birds today! Pelican Highway was jamming at first light. The flock of seagulls was fiesta, breaking into several high speed chases.
A couple of egrets were pruning and enjoying snacks close to the water. Egrets can be grumpy and territorial but these two were quite sweet with each other. They said, “We know when to fight for our space and when to just be with each other. We are here to remind you know when to fight for what you want and when to just relax and be.”
You may already feel the energy of the almost new moon a few days away. This particular new moon may feel like it is asking us to go within and let go of any baggage we no longer need in order to have a fresh start. This moon asks us to be gentle rather than critical with ourselves.
The surfer encourages us to look for the channel markers as we catch the waves taking us forward.
Wishing you a day filled with compassion!
Keep pecking away
Mother Nature brought us an other worldly kind of sunrise with deep intense colors well before sunrise. The ocean and breeze were calm adding to the peaceful easy feeling to start the work week.
The flock of seagulls flew in hot and chatty when it was still dark. They enjoyed bath time and breakfast at the same time.
Little fish were swimming in large schools calling to the birds, sharks and dolphins who all came to partake in the sushi buffet.
After sunrise I ran into a woodpecker who was also having breakfast. He brings the message saying, “I’m a messenger that hangs is happening, some are small others are big. Keep pecking away at what your heart desires because opportunities are all around. Stay present, ready to seize the moment, enjoying the journey!”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Say how you feel to your flock
Mother Nature used her soft and swirly paintbrush giving us sweet clouds soaking up the wide array of colors. A light breeze and calm ocean added to the serenity vibe.
A rowdy flock of seagulls flew in with a couple royal terns to greet the day and enjoy getting squeaky clean. Royal terns are birds with a lot of personality who love to talk and talk and talk.
One chatty tern couple said, “We bring the message of saying how you feel to your loved ones. It’s always nice to know how your flock feels. We know sharing how you feel can feel vulnerable so we are here to remind you how it brings closeness that will make your heart happy.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
I love you
A message from Spot the Egret
Hi everyone! My name is Spot. I'm an egret and was named by my Pelican friend Pip for the spots on my toes. Shelley is off floating people so can’t photograph the sunrise today. She asked me to keep an eye on her camera and keep a look out for Pip.
If you are just tuning in, I met Shelley with Pip the Pelican back in March. I’m a very smart bird and knew if Shelley was helping a sick pelican, I could get in on that loving. The 3 of us are like the 3 musketeers.
Oh and then there is Mikey the great egret. Well, he’s ok but great? I don’t know how he get that name, I’m an egret and I’m pretty great, just a little smaller, I should be called great too, don't you think?
Anywho, Shelley said she will be posting later today and if you haven’t seen her Youtube channel she has videos of Pip, the dolphins and other characters from the Lagoon.
I like the video called Close up Sushi party, it shows a dolphin coming straight at the camera with a fish! I had fish envy that day.
Ok, I'm off to hunt breakfast, Stay tuned!
Click this link to see a Youtube video of Pip (Pippa) the pelican
Rest into the uncertainty
As I walked to the beach I could see the pink ray of light jetting into the sky. The ocean was calm with perfectly formed waves rolling toward shore calling to the surfers and Pelican Highway.
The calm of the morning set the tone for a peaceful, easy vibe which my body matched the minute my feet hit the sand. Surfers were catching waves before the sun came up.
They bring the message of enjoying the lull between waves. When the energy feels flat, resting into the quiet uncertainty is a nice way to savor the moment.
An egret dancing in the waves grabbing breakfast added to the message saying, “Waiting is part of the journey. Not to worry, you will know when to leap froward and take action.”
Wishing you beautiful day friends!
Reflections of a Spoonbill
Reflections of a Roseate Spoonbill~
I love my neighbors! One of them sent a text letting me know this beauty was in our yard having snacks. S/he showed was showing off her beauty and adorable persoanlity. She has a sweet sparkle in her eyes.
Stay tuned for a Tales from the Lagoon update, and more adorable baby turtles.
For those of you following Pip the Pelican, I haven't seen him since Sunday. He was doing well so I'm hoping he is just off gallivanting with his flock.
Stay tuned!
take action and trust the journey
Mother Nature brought us a serene sunrise with a calm ocean and slight breeze. The color show started off with pretty in pink and slowly morphed into a sultry cabernet then finally into an intense golden glow.
The flock of seagulls flew in early with their wings open, feeling chatty. The fish were jumping before the sunrise came up which got the seagulls attention. Surprisingly Pelican Highway didn't stop to join in the buffet.
The fish and seagulls bring us the message of resourcefulness today. It looked like sharks were chasing the fish under the water. The seagulls hovered above the fish waiting for them to jump out of the water. If the gulls dipped down into the water, they were smart enough not to leave their legs dangling to avoid getting bit.
They said, “Us seagulls are very creative. We know how to make the most of situations whether we are sitting on a pelican or letting the sharks brings us the fish. We encourage you to let the situation support you reaching your goal. Relax, follow your heart and trust your fish will show up for you.”
The fish said,”We sure had to trust our instincts today. We had choices to swim away from the sharks or jump into the air where the birds were. Sometimes our options feel scary, so we go with our intuition, take action in the way that feel best, and trust the journey.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
