Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Relaxing Weekend at the Lagoon
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Relaxing Weekend at the Lagoon
The dolphins used the little lagoon like a convenience store, just running in, grabbing a few fish and cuddles and leaving over the weekend.
There was an impromptu fish fiesta Friday afternoon but it only lasted 10 minutes.
The winter brings an abundance of birds to the lagoon. Just this weekend, at least 50 cormorants, half dozen osprey, juvenile bald eagles, blue herons, egrets and of course the pelicans. Loads of vultures are loving the thermals, gliding around for hours.
I’ve only seen an osprey land near the beach a few times, so it’s always exciting. Today for the first time, I watched an ibis walk by an osprey. Not something you see everyday.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Osprey on the beach, and ibis walking by
Osprey
Osprey
The dolphin I call M
Charley the dolphin
Pelican scored a whopper of a fish
Pelican flying forward after getting bumped by dolphin
Standout in a crowd
Mother Nature brought us a winter wonderland sunrise with wind, salt spray and gold and silver colors. The flock flew in so fast their feet were flying in every direction. They used the wind to hang out and connect.
The wind was blowing the tops of the waves creating beautiful art. When the sun came up from behind a cloud wall, it looked like the head of an angelic Being. What do you see?
After bath time they rested, soaking up the warmth of the sun. A solo skimmer flying by slammed the brakes and came to rest with the laughing gulls.
He said, “Resting in the safety of a flock is best for us birds. I don’t mind being different than everyone else. I highly recommend standing out and embracing your uniqueness.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Skimmer in the flock of laughing gulls
Skimmer with sunrise in his eye
Pause to look for guidance
With rain expected at sunrise, the birds and people were very happy to see a gorgeous sunrise this morning!
Before the sun came up raise of light jetted into the sky filling the morning with a happy and heart opening vibe. The ocean was calm except for perfect surfing waves.
The flock flew in and danced around the sun with glee! A gull couple said, “We got this, let’s support each other to stay open and soar even higher.”
Pelican Highway traffic was heading southbound, using the waves to glide with ease down the shore. 2 pelicans paused, hanging in place saying, “Pause to take in the moment and look for the channel markers to guide your path.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Clarity comes when the fog dissipates
The fog was damp and dense making it difficult to see as I walked to the beach. Before the sun came up an angel looking cloud looked to be soaring above the ocean.
The flock could be heard coming before I could see them. They were extra silly and fun this morning, grabbing kisses mid air. They said, “Remember to take time to grab a quick smooch, even if it’s on the fly.” Then the lovebirds and rest of the flock hit the water for bath time.
When the sun came up shining thought the fog it brought us a dreamy vibe and the message today. They said,”Trust when you feel foggy, the light will eventually shine through to give you clarity.” The sun added, “Sure, it may seem like it takes a while, but not to worry, you will see the truth about the situation soon.”
Wishing you a loving day filled with clarity!
Soaring Angel
Smooches on the fly
Surfs up
“She talks to dolphins and apparently they listen”
Ken Wllis with the Daytona News Journal wrote an article about my time with the dolphins and other wildlife. Thank you Ken!
Be curious and play like a baby dolphin
Mother Nature brought us another romantic start to the day. Soft fluffy clouds and fog soaked up the pastel color palette feeling like a cozy blanket of beauty.
The flock flew in early for their usual bath time and connection. Pelican Highway traffic was light with just a few flying southbound.
After sunrise several momma dolphins and their kiddos were grabbing snacks. Rudy the pelican came over to pose for a Glamour shot.
The baby dolphin brings us the message of play, seems perfect for a Friday. She said, “I highly recommend being spontaneous! I’m a reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures, be curious, and find joy in the present moment.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Rusty the pelican posing for a Glamour shot
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Says Surprise!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Dolphin Says Surprise!
This video is of a dolphin I call Cliff. I haven’t confirmed his gender but he hangs with the boys. The top of his dorsal fin sticks out like a cliff hanger, that’s how he got his name.
When we get a lot of rain the water gets a little murky making it more challenging to see the dolphins. When that happens I do my best feel for them. In the beginning of the video I know Cliff is just a few feet away under water but I cant see him until….well..... Surprise!
Oh the joys of play! Stay tuned for more tales!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Let go of the old, be bold
Mother Nature brought us a cozy and powerful morning with fog rolling in as the moon set and the sun came up to greet the day. The fog thickened after the sunrise giving us the feeling of being wrapped in a snug blanket.
The full moon was setting as the sun came up. Two One Leggers stopped at the moon to bring us the message.
They said, “This full moon brings us the energy of transformation. The moon is a powerful tool to help us let go of out dated thoughts and beliefs. It is asking us to follow our heart’s desires like never before. Like us, be bold, be courageous, and follow those dreams!”
After sunrise, several birds broke into a high speed chase for 10 minutes! This is also one of the ways the birds can get injured legs, as they chase each other they may bite a leg to get an upper hand.
They will drop the fish if they think they are out numbered and in danger. This fish was dropped several times! The flock said, “Even if you have to drop a goal, or it slips away, you can pick it back up. Sometimes it’s just about timing.”
Our new friend with a injured floppy leg wanted to be close, She said, “I need a name please. Any suggestions?” The name Floppy is already taken….
Have a beautiful day friends!
I got it!
New injury, hes doing just fine. has a floppy leg
Dive in! You got this!
Ahhhh, the pre sunrise was cozy with a layer of fog hovering above the shore line accompanied by a gorgeous pink sky. The fog was salty and wet which felt soothing to my lungs.
A chatty flock flew with the picturesque background ready for bath time and to watch the sun came up over the churning ocean.
After the sun was up a female osprey flew over head with her breakfast bringing us the message of the day. She said, “Trust you can dive deep to catch your goal. Not to worry, you will come up victorious, just keep your focus and know you are stronger than you think.”
Embrace the Transformation
Mother Nature started the morning with a romantic and peaceful pink light. Then all the colors in crayon box got involved giving us an array of colors.
The flock flew in with One Legger and Hook leading the pack. One Legger came in close with her beak down so not to cause harm.
A hole opened in the clouds on the horizon with gold eyes peeking through just below the opening. Later on, it was if Mother Nature took a finger and drew a snake in the clouds.
Mother Nature brings us the message, "The snake brings us the message of transformation. Now is a time to shed old skin and make room for the new. Not to worry, the changes coming are for your highest good."
One Legger added to the message saying, “If you feel overwhelmed by the transformation find your flock mates for sweet connections. I find they make every thing feel easier.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Let’s Play!
Mother Nature brought us a purple and pink first light with vast cloud cover looking like a layered cake. As we got closer to sunrise, the color show morphed to blue and white with a hint of pink.
The Monday morning commute was packed filling up the traffic lanes. As the flock flew in, one of the gulls said, “Keep your chin up and wings open so you can soak up all that your heart desires.”
Once they arrived, we headed to the water to play and get squeaky clean. They said, “Sure self care can be a chore, so we highly recommend playing while you take care of the mundane duties.”
"You see, we get squeaky clean while surfing and splashing around. We go head first into the waves letting the water roll right over taking the stress away. Grab your flock and let's play!"
Wishing you a fun filled day!
Keep your chin up and wings open
Soften your edges to stay strong
The wind was whipping this morning as I walked to the beach. The temperature was chilly and invigorating. The flock of gulls showed up in perfect unison with the wings and hearts open. They used the wind to hang in place and get really close to connect.
As the sun came up they became even more frisky, diving into the sunlight then flying up like a a perfect ballerina company.
We jumped in the water for bath time surrounded by golden sparkles. One of the gulls getting squeaky clean said, “Us birds are in survival mode a lot. So our key to health is to lift each other up and take time to soften our edges. You see relaxing our wings helps feathers and body stay strong.”
Wishing you a soft and sweet day friends!
Raise each other up
Tiny Dancer
Give us a kiss?
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Do You Ever See Any Sharks?
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Do You Ever See Any Sharks?
I’ve been asked twice this week if I ever see any sharks. I see way more in the ocean than I do in the river. While in the river, I was approached once and another time I was warned by a dolphin that a shark was in the area.
In the first experience, the shark came from the right, close enough to get my attention but kept swimming. A minute later it came back swimming straight toward me. I waited until it was a few feet away and started to back up quickly. That motion caused the shark to dart away. I think we were both relieved.
The second time I was in the water up to waist with just one dolphin. The water was very murky. He swam toward me stuffing hard. Chuffing is when they repeatedly blow out their blow hole. I backed up to my knees. He did it again so backed up to my ankles and shark swam by.
I see the occasional shark bite on a dolphin. These are old photos, from 4.28.21 and 5.4.23. This is the dolphin I call Maximus, he has one shark bite on the side and one from last year behind his dorsal fin.
I spent a lot of time with him after the second bite in May 2023. He seemed to be healing well. He was chasing fish and even flying out of the water. I always let the authorities know when I see a shark bite or injured dolphin so they can monitor their recovery.
Stay tuned for more tales!
5.4.23
5.4.23
showing the first bite I photographed in 2021
Maximus just a few feet away. 4.28.23
I was walking to the right and he swam infront of me and came straight up out of the water
You can see the forst shark bite and the cut in the back in this photo
Step into your confidence
Jack Frost has decided to spend his winter here in sunny Florida bringing us another overcast and chilly morning. Despite the cool temperatures and wind, the flock flew in to say good morning.
New Smyrna Beach is having a celebrity week with sighting of Right whales yesterday, Brad Pitt filming in town and Tiger the Heermann’s gull showing up at sunrise.
It’s true, in the birding world Tiger the Heermann’s gull is right up there with Brad. This morning, all the other birds swooned around the handsome bird hoping to get close.
Tiger reminds us to step fully into our confidence. He said, “Whether you a laughing gull or a famous Heermann’s gull like me, we all have a important role to play, so don’t be shy, shine your light and help make the planet a brighter place.”
Wishing you a bright and shiny day friends!
Tiger the Heermann’ gull is in the middle of the flock
Tiger the Heermann’s Gull
Hello!
Exhale stress and tension
Inhale, Exhale, Repeat.
Mother Nature brought us a pastel sunrise with a sweet pink and blue color palette. The ocean was calm except for perfect waves beckoning the surfers to come play.
One of the sunrise crew described the morning perfect was tranquil. So true, a wonderful way to calm the nervous system and restore balance.
The flock flew in ready to connect. One Legger has a new wing man, a two legger with a floppy leg. Floppy didn’t seem phased by the injury, feeling frisky and strong. She said, “Stay strong and focus on your strengths. You are stronger than you know.”
After sunrise there was a quick dolphin and pelican party. One of the dolphin I call Holy Guacamole because he has a perfect hole in his Doral fin said, Remember the power of your breath.
“Inhaling gives us life, exhaling releasing the stress. We know the benefits of exhaling are just as big as inhaling. Join us in breathing in life and letting the go of all the tension.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
One Legger and Floppy Leg
Stay open
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Mullet Fest
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Mullet Fest
It’s the time of year when mullet is what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pelicans were following the commercial fishermen around like puppy dogs when they were not tailgating the dolphins.
The immature pelican I posted a few days ago with a huge fish did it again today! A pod of dolphins were chasing fish under the dock when the youngin’ flew in and picked up a whopper of a mullet. He was able to get it down the hatch with ease this time.
Stay tuned for more tales!
I’m away from sunrise today ( Thursday) Hope to be back tomorrow.
Check him out, making sure I see his whopper of a catch. :)
The sun brings a lift
As I reached the edge of the ocean not a creature was stirring not even a gull. I wasn’t there long before the flock flew in to say hello. The temperature was crisp with a brisk wind giving us an invigorating pre sunrise.
When the sun came up, the flock became frisky celebrating the gorgeous big ball of light. They hovered in front of the sun letting it illuminate their tail feathers.
One Legger who was front and center in the flock brings us the message of soaking up the sunlight.
She said, “The sun has the ability to lift us up, fill us with hope and warmth. Add getting squeaky clean to the mix our well being gets a boost. We are grateful for the sun and all it life it brings.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Getting squeaky clean in the sunshine
The sunrsie post was late because I didn’t want to leave the lagoon party.
Kick it to stir up momentum
Good Morning!
Fog enveloped the entire area at sunrise bringing us a grey, white and wet start to the day. I thought a little sunshine and colors would be nice to share.
The shark reminds us to keep on swimming. Stay in motion, even if things feel challenging. As you keep 'kicking it' you can stir up momentum.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Sweet Lovin’
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Sweet Lovin’
There wasn’t much light but there was an abundance of love in the lagoon today.
Daniko and Jasper, 2 males dolphins came into the lagoon for about 20 minutes. Daniko was very sweet spending a lot of time close by having a nice conversation. After 20 minutes, Jasper smacked his tail, saying, “Come on, we gotta go!”
They left….but only to go grab their friends. It wasn't too long before they were back with lots of friends and enjoying an abundance of sweetness. I wanted to call this episode ‘Daddy’s Day with the Kiddos’ because the males were playing with the kiddos like dads on a playground.
Daniko and Jasper played in a very gentle and loving way with the little ones. It wasn’t like when they splash and tear it up kind of snuggles, this was more like the males showing the youngins how much they loved them.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Sunrise for Monday is previous post
Jasper an adult male on the left giving love to a youngster
A sweet Salsa Dolphin Dance. Click the wheel at bottom right and choose higest resolution for best viewing
trust your instincts, be open to change
Mother Nature brought us a wintry sunrise with layered clouds soaking up the changing color show. The morning started off dark and very moody bluesy, thankfully shifting to a bright and beautiful start to the day.
The sun brought with it a silvery shimmer on the water with pink skies to the north adding to the beauty. The sunrise crew was very happy to see the visible sun shining bright!
4 pelicans on Pelican Highway took a quick detour and landed in the the shallow water near several gulls. They bring us the message of being open to changing directions fast.
They went on to say, “We need to follow our instincts to know where to find food. We stay focused and open to altering our flight path at any moment. It’s good to have a plan and trust your intuition if you need to modify your agenda.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
