Tales from the lagoon ~episode-An invitation from a momma dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Getting to know a Momma with a Split Dorsal Fin
I’ve seen this momma with a split dorsal fin for several months now. She has a calf with her which is how I know she is a mom. Until yesterday we haven’t spent much time together, so when she came into the lagoon, I stayed on the periphery to give her space.
After about 15 minutes she swam over to me and circled a few feet away. I said, “Hello Momma! Thank you for the invitation to connect.” My camera battery was dying so I did a quick change and when I got back in the water, with her permission, I stood closer to the docks where they sometimes grab fish.
A few minutes later she came up again and swam by. I greeted her again and said Hi Momma! Thank you for connecting.
She came over again jumped out of the water then while keeping head up for about a minute swam over to me with her fish showing off her teeth and fish. Much to my surprise her calf popped up next to her.
Her injury is most likely from a boat strike. Many people think dolphins don't get hit by boats, but if they are chasing a baby they can be hit and I've heard if they are immersed in romance they may be distracted and hit by a boat.
Baby dolphins can't echolocate right away which is why they are usually with several dolphins. It's a lot like a toddler who is learning to walk and running all over the house putting fingers in light sockets. Chasing the baby dolphins is like chasing a toddler and can sometimes put them in harms way.
Despite her injury, she is a great fishergirl and very athletic. She is a sweet mom too always close to her calf, is patient and affectionate. Truly an honor to get to know this beautiful mom.
Stayed tuned for more tales!
momma got a fish and brought it over for me to photograph
Can you hear her saying, “Are you getting this?”
Momma with her calf on her left saying, “Did you get the pics?”
Play increases endorphins
Catch a wave and you are sitting on top of the world!
The sunrise felt as if a hint of fall was in the air with a cool breeze and a moody blues sky. The came up behind the clouds staying hidden but bringing us a golden glow illumination the waves as they rolled toward shore.
Surfers were having another great day! They continue to show what it looks like to surrender to the waves, harnessing the energy with open hearts. The joy on their faces was infectious, I couldn’t help but smile watching them play.
After sunrise 2 of my favorite dolphins came in for some play and snacks. They added to the surfer message of play. They said, “Even a few minutes of play can add to the joy in your life. Playing and smiling increases endorphins shifting our moods.”
Wishing you a playful day!
Wide open
Surrender
Mother Nature took my breath away when my feet hit the sand and I saw the pink rays of light jetting in to the sky. WOW! It was stunning and instantly made my heart expand.
The flock of seagulls were waiting when I reached the edge of the shore. They were chatty and playful although with the current being so strong they cut bath time short.
What a fun morning watching the surfers play in the waves with wild abandon. I was so inspired by their willingness to completely surrender to the waves, leaning in and allowing the ride to unfold.
I snapped a photo of just the hand of a surfer sticking out of the rough water. I imagine many of us have felt like that at one point in life. It’s true life can feel intense, the the good news is the water eventually recedes and we are able to catch our breath, get clarity and keep swimming.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
How life feels when it is overwhelming. Not to worry the surfer is fine. :)
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Meet the locals
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Meet the Locals
The lagoon has a wonderful and diverse eco system with year round residents as well as visitors.
Here are a few of the regulars…
Skylar the osprey hangs out to my right and Luna the osprey hangs out on my left on her boat. Yup, she thinks she owns it. They are both females, love to be in charge, and squawk in unison when any bird attempts to enter their air space.
Pip the pelican is doing great after having sheepshead fillet stuck in his gullet. Since the hoomans helped him get free he has made the lagoon his home. He is very sweet and sensitive, loves to take walks, is kind to all wildlife unless they push him, then he can assert himself. He really has a tender heart which is something you wouldn’t normally say about a pelican.
Sometimes Pip hangs out with Patches the Pelican. She was named for the white patches on her head. Her body and beak are smaller which makes me think she is a female. She is shy, curious and loves fish. She follows Pip’s lead when they are together.
Mikey the great egret was named by my fisherman friend Donny. Mikey has been around the longest. He is friendly, likes long walks on the docks, and fishing with friends. He has a boo boo above his left eye. He said, “I think it is healing because I want to itch is a lot.” He showed me where he has been scratching and it looks like he knows not to scratch his eye.
Spot is a gregarious, very chatty egret. He doesn’t like to be ignored and will let you know with a noise that sounds more like a bark than a bird. He enjoys Pip and Mikey’s company. He follows the fisher people down the docks with the hope of grabbing snacks.
Stay tuned for more dolphin tales coming soon!
Pip and Patches
Luna the Osprey
Luna showing off her one foot strength
Spot followed me into the pool, he thought he might find a fish. :)
Mikey the great egret showing me where the boo boo itches.
Can you feel him talking? He is so expressive. Pip the pelican
Joyful connections make life sweeter
Ahhhhhh another beautiful day in paradise. Mother Nature used her pink rays of light paint brush at first light. Once again, huge waves rolled in calling to the surfers and Pelican Highway to come take a ride.
The breeze was light and slightly cool blowing the tops of the waves sending a salty mist into the air. The energy was a mixture giving us a sense of calm and vitality simultaneously.
Pelican Highway was soaring over the surfers using the waves to propel them south. They bring the message of harnessing the waves of life to lighten our load. Let the flow carry to your destination.
After sunrise Pip the Pelican flew to say hello. We were joined by the dolphin I call M for the M shaped notch on his dorsal fin. M swam right over to Pip to say hello. Pip was a little nervous but stayed to visit for a few minutes. M said, “I bring the message of joyful connections. Taking time to connect in a playful way makes life feel a little sweeter.”
Wishing you a day filled with sweetness!
PS~. Check out the previous posts for dolphin playtime
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Momma, Baby and Flying Redfish
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Momma, Baby and Flying Redfish!
Yesterday I had the great honor of spending 3 and half hours with the latest Momma and baby dolphin. My friends named this momma Lizzie and the baby Lulu for a girl and Lou for a boy.
Over the past 10 days I have watched the baby learn how to lift it’s head up out of the water- this is called a chin slap. Then yesterday the baby came half way out of the water! It’s like seeing a toddler take their first steps. Everyone around was squealing with excitement, Go baby go!
Usually mom and baby are alone nursing in the lagoon, I’m wondering if having at least 18 other dolphins around inspired the little nugget to leap and pop like popcorn out of the water.
Pip the pelican and his girlfriend Patches. The pelican were in the lagoon along with 2 manatees and of course the Luna and Skylar the ospreys, Spot and Mikey the egrets. As you can see the tour boat, paddle boarder and locals enjoyed the show!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Momma and baby
Look ma! I’m out of the water!
Momma and baby
healing takes time, treat yourself with compassion and patience
Pink rays of light jetted high into the sky at first light. The bright full moon and Jupiter were having a conversation as I walked to the beach.
The energy was more electric and full of vitality than serene. With the strong current rushing up against my skin it was as if the ocean was energizing my body.
The ocean was speckled with surfers before first light. The waves were powerful, tossing a few surfers around. One with his feet in the air along with Luna the osprey bring us the message of the bumps of life and healing.
The waves bring the message how life can feel a bit bumpy, turning us upside down. The surfer got back on his board and caught another wave, reminding us feeling tossed around is temporary, eventually we find our footing again.
After sunrise I went to the river where Luna the osprey was hanging out on her boat. Last time I posted her tushy feathers up close my friend Kyle said she was showing us the osprey full moon. A couple days later my friend Lisa named her Luna without knowing about full moon osprey, showing us how connected we are. This morning she posed with the full moon embracing her name.
She is quite expressive, when I talk to her she tilts her head like a puppy dog. She encourages us to show compassion with our eyes, share your love through your eyes.
I walked over to say good morning and said, “How are you?” She raised her foot and pointed to it with her beak saying, “My foot hurts. I know healing takes time. Patience and compassion help me cope.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~ Check out the previous post for more redfish photos and dolphin playtime
Luna the osprey and the full moon
I said,"Good morning, how are you?" She responded, "My left right foot hurts." Healing takes time, patience and compassion
Luna tilts her head when we chat.
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Epic Full Moon Party!
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode- Epic Full Moon Party!
Holy Moly! Dolphins love the energy of a full moon!
When I got in the water momma and her baby from my previous post were there and stayed for 3 hours. Uncle Larry the dolphin with 968 on his dorsal fin was in and out enjoying grabbing snacks too. He's the dolphin who is approximately 43 years old, despite his elderly age he still plays like a teenager!
At one point someone said they counted 20 dolphin! I didn't even know where to point my camera.
I've been in the water with the dolphins since 2018 and I've never seen so many redfish. The Ponce Inlet Water Sports tour got quite the show!
Pip the pelican was there too! Momma and baby swim over to him which freaked him out so he flew away. Luna the Osprey was in the mix too. So much more to share, so stay tuned for more tales!
Release limitations, stay focused
WOOHOO! Today is my favorite day of the month when the moon sets just as the sun is coming up to greet the day. This combination brings us a powerful morning filled with promise.
The flock of seagulls flew in loud and ready to bathe. While we were getting squeaky clean, a few surfers walked by and sent the flock flying reminding us to be ready for action. They said, We know flocking together is a great way to feel safe and keeps us from feeling alone."
I’m excited to say the seagull, One Legger is back! She was looking good, flying in circles showing off her acrobatic skills. She said, “I had a nice summer up north and am happy to be back in sunny Florida for the winter.“
This full moon is called the Harvest moon, because of where it is in the sky, it brings us the energy of hope and possibility. This moon remind us to embrace what is possible. It asks us to stay focused on our sense of purpose. If you are not sure of your purpose, be open to receiving guidance.
It encourages us to actively release any limitations whether they are real or imagined. Find balance between dreaming and logic so you can move forward when the time is right.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~. A momma dolphin and huge red fish are in a post if you scroll back 2 posts.
One legger is back!
Lean back and let the energy carry you
As I walked to the beach the air felt cool like fall was visiting for the morning. First light was a beautiful pink and purple with a golden opening on the horizon.
The waves were huge again today calling all the surfers once again to come play. A layer of salty fog rolled in shortly after first light adding to the serenity of the morning. Eventually the sun came up to burn through the fog reminding us if we feel foggy, not to worry, it will clear with a little light.
One of the surfers leaning back enjoying a wave brings the message of surrendering to the waves of life. Relax and lean back and let the flow of energy carry you forward.
Pip the pelican was in the lagoon after sunrise checking out what he calls the crab house. He said. “I’m curious about the fish and crabs living together in this house.” He encourages us to ask questions as a way to learn.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
PS~. Check out the previous post with a whopper of a catch and pep talk from a momma dolphin
Lean back and let the energy carry you
Pip the pelican checking out the crab house
Tales from the Lagoon~ Episode - a Whopper fish and a Pep talk
Tales from the Lagoon~Episode - It’s a Whopper Redfish! And a Pep Talk from Momma
I’ve spent 8 out of the past 11 days with this momma and baby, for a total of about 18 hours of quality time. In that time, momma and baby didn’t jump out of the water, they chased fish at high speeds but never out of the water.
The first 4 days I was on the periphery just witnessing the momma and baby nursing and relaxing. Most of the time they were alone without the rest of the maternity pod.
On the 5th day momma swam over close to me which was her way to invite me to come closer. I walked out to the deeper water where she and the baby would swim around my location, sometimes swimming in circles around me under the water. Truly an honor to be invited in. I talked to her and the baby a lot while hanging out.
Fast forward to today. Pip the pelican flew in after sunrise to say hello. I was on my knees chatting with Pip when I was stung by a jellyfish…again. I went to put on my wetsuit pants and when I got back Momma and baby were in the lagoon.
I recently got a new lens and I have been struggling to get the camera to focus on the water when the dolphins are under water. With the jellyfish sting and feeling frustrated with the camera, I said to Momma, “Maybe I should give up.”
A few minutes later, I saw Momma grab and fish and come racing toward me really fast with baby right behind her.
I knew she knew I was there but I still said loudly, “I’m right here Momma.” She came up out of the water a few feet away on my left tossing the redfish high in the air in my direction. I turned to my right quickly to keep the camera dry from the huge splash while thinking the fish was going to bonk me in the head. The fish was so close I could have reached out and grab it.
She and the baby swam toward the deeper water with the fish and tossed it around several times giving me an opportunity to snap a few photos.
I’m certain Momma was giving me a pep talk, reminding me of the joy in the lagoon. She was saying, “Lighten up girl!” She was reminding it’s more than the photos, it’s about the connections and friendships.
The wildlife continue to teach, inspire, remind and connect. I am humbled and grateful.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Momma with the fish and baby next to her
Patience while things align
The morning started off sweet and salty with a soft pink sky and calm ocean. As the sun creeped up from behind the cloud cover the breeze and waves kicked in.
Really big, perfect waves beckoned all the surfers to come play. By the time I left the beach the ocean was sprinkled with hundreds of surfers.
The waves were gorgeous soaking up the light as the top of the waves caught the wind looking like diamonds in the sky.
Pelican Highway and the surfers bring us the message again today. The highway said, “Patience while you wait for the waves to reach you. Not to worry, people, places and things are aligning to support your journey, even if you can’t see it. In the meantime enjoy the beauty of this moment.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
OM
Getting into alignment
Stay the course, easy does it
First light filled the sky with an amber and golden glow. A light breeze was blowing the tops of the waves as they curled toward shore.
Pelican Highway was enjoy riding the waves along with the surfers. The waves were huge and powerful calling to the surfers to come play. One of the surfers had a wave cover him completely but he hung on reminding us to stay the course, even when the waves are overwhelming.
After sunrise I ran into a sweet turtle looking for breakfast in the river. She was gliding along slow and steady remind us to take it easy, enjoy the moment.
She went on to say, “Stay grounded and centered. Easy does it, not to worry, what is meant for you will never pass you by.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Waiting for the energy to carry you
With the absence of a breeze and soft colors the start to the day was very serene. The color show started off soft until the sun showed up to bring us a golden orange intense glow.
Perfect and huge waves called to the surfers to play hooky and come play.
The flock of seagulls flew in at their usual time while Pelican Highway used the waves to propel them southbound.
Pelican Highway said, “We bring the message of teamwork and utilizing the energy around us to make life easier. We know how using the waves to carry us gives us the resources to reach our destination with ease. We highly recommend waiting for the energy to show up and carry you forward.”
Wishing you a day in the flow!
Seeing life through the eyes of a baby
Ahhhhh, a sweet and salty air kind of sunrise. The ocean was calm with perfect waves for pelican highway to ride southbound.
The chatty flock of seagulls flew in to enjoy our daily bath time. They teamed up with a momma and baby dolphin to bring us the message today.
The seagulls remind us to look at like from a different perspective. They said, “It’s good to change your view. You see that can give you information you forgot or didn’t know.”
The momma and baby dolphin added to the gulls saying, “Looking at life through the eyes of a baby can show you things in a new light. Yes! awe of a baby playing and seeing how wondrous life is! Remember how play can shift your mood and bring you even more joy.”
You can see the baby has “stripes” called fetal bands. Fetal bands come from being scrunched up in the momma’s belly. This lets us know the calf is most likely younger than 2-3 months.
Wishing you a day filled with wonder!
Stripes- called fetal bands let us know the baby is less than 3 months old.
Receiving help is a gift for everyone
Inhale, Exhale, Repeat.
Mother Nature brought us another dramatic cloud and color show. A calm ocean, rain on the horizon and absence of a breeze made the morning extra peaceful. The flock of seagulls came in for bath time and our usual connection time.
A baby turtle was trying to make its way to the ocean but was a bit confused crawling in circles. A few helpful people alerted the New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers who came to pick up the baby so she could rest and be released later.
She said, “It’s good to receive help along the journey. You see, it helps me and the people helping get to feel useful. It’s a win win.”
After sunrise a couple of dolphins came in to grab a quick snack and say hello reming us to be open to spontaneous connections. You never know who might pop into your life.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
A lull is a time to regroup
With rain in the forecast I thought it was going to be a wet sunrise but luckily the rain stayed offshore. The flock of seagulls and surfers came to enjoy the gorgeous and dramatic sunrise.
The moody blues with a hint of pretty in pink color and rain made for quite the lovely sunrise. Salty air and perfect waves added to the beauty of the morning.
The waves and surfers bring us the message of enjoying the moment while waiting for the next wave. The lull between waves may feel like nothing is happening but the quiet is a time to regroup, rest and melt deeper into the moment. Then when the waves come you are ready to truly enjoy the ride.
Two squirrels were being affectionate on the way off the beach. They were very chatty saying, “We know the power of a hug. Touch and hugs are a great way to share your love and it helps your immune system by releasing endorphins.”
Wishing you a joyful day friends!
Hugs
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