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