Skimmers return

This morning was truly a red-letter day when I saw my first skimmers of the season.

These lovely and unique birds migrate here in the winter and this was the first I'd seen of them this winter. These ingenious little guys skim (thus their name) along the ocean with their lower bill touching the water and the feed by scooping tiny fish into their mouths. Quite ingenious and very distinctive in look as well as ability.

The skimmer pair in the back sharing some beach time with a gull and a Sandwich Tern.

 

Talkative and the first time I remember hearing their call, which sounded almost like a small dog's bark. I also love their red stockings that match the band around their bill. (Click the image to enlarge.)

Again, I was thrilled. A fellow beach walker stopped me and said "Did you see the skimmers?" So I'm not alone in my delight at their return. The pair at the back share the beach with an assortment of Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns and gulls who seem to be preening at the return of their strange-billed friends.

Christmas cactus history

Oops, a friend reminded me that I hadn't been here for a while. I still enjoy the beach every day, I still take my camera and still come home with pictures that look just like those I've taken before. I was afraid that the same old pictures of birds, and sea, sun and clouds was getting old to you true and faithful followers.

So, today I'm sharing a little Christmas history. The Christmas cactus photographed above, and that now resides with me, was a Christmas gift over 30 years ago from my Mom and Dad to a family friend. That friend moved to an assisted living community during the summer and she wanted me to take this lovely plant. With trepidation, I did. I've never had luck keeping a Christmas cactus alive and blooming but said I'd do my best. 

I'm gloriously surprised and think it has bloomed in such a spectacular fashion in spite of me. Wow! There must be over 100 blooms in all stages of splendor from bud to full flower.

It warms my heart to know some Christmas history will continue. Happy holidays to all.

Magnificent!

During my beach walk at mid-day I was reveling in the numerous osprey that were hunting the waters of the Atlantic and being quite successful, I might add.
Looking into the blue, blue skies I spotted a huge bird with a very distinctive shape that was flying much higher than other birds in the area. I followed it for a long time with my eyes, all the while flipping through my brain files trying to determine what kind of bird it was. Not a clue. This was a silhouette I'd never seen before. (Click the photo to make it large enough to see.)

As soon as I got home I started researching and discovered I'd encountered a Magnificent Frigatebird. Not just any frigatebird, mind you, but a magnificent one. Whoever named that bird knew just what they were talking about... magnificent without a doubt.

Just had to share

It was practically dark when I arrived at the beach, but it didn't take long for the skies to change as the sun appeared. Almost like a flower unfolding, the dawn came in stages:

From this,

 To this,

 And finally what I call a glory hallelujah moment.

Pink 'n Blue

It threatened to be stormy this morning and at first there was not a hint of sun, but it didn't take long...

Stunning! The dawn was simply lovely in shades of pink and blue.

10.11.12 inspiration

October 11, 2012 was one of those unusual days — especially since I'm intrigued by numbers and numerical sequences. 

 

I knew the minute I arrived at the beach that we were going to be in for an exceptionally and unusual sunrise as well.

The first hint of good things to come was followed by the simply spectacular.

Then breathtaking.

Finally it was just plain awesome!

Amazing how many people were stopping in their walks just to turn and stare at the sky. I think it made us all realize how truly fortunate we were just to be able to witness Mother Nature's inspiration.

Thank you, Nike

Ever have those days when just getting out of bed is a task? When you can think of a million reasons for NOT doing something? I'm really good at that... pretty creative too. 
But thankfully sports giant Nike came up with a slogan which I have used more times than I'd like to think. Just DO it!
Well, I invoked Nike this morning and I'm so glad I did. The clouds and sky, the pinks and blues were just stunning.

Thank you, Nike.

October greeting

On the first day of October I was greeted by what I considered a stunning sight at my beach approach. Hopefully the rest of the month will be as lovely or at least as breathtaking and intriguing.

Happy October! 'Tis one of my most favorite months — as far as our Florida weather is concerned.

Silliness

Everyone needs a little bit of just plain silliness in their life. 

Here was mine for today...

Just Rosy

I could have called this post tickled pink because the whole world was a wonderful shade of pink from the coming of the sun.
There is not much to say, I'll just share some of the images with you, in stages.

Hope you are in the pink today!

Joyful beginnings

It has been a busy week and all my chores are behind me, so before I settle on the couch with a good book and a bowl of chocolates, I decided to share some images I enjoyed all week. Beginning with the ever-inspiring sun's rays.

Then I'm reminded of the joy of being free to spread your wings and fly. Free as a bird as they say.

This morning there was a hint of what was to come with what appeared to be fire burning just at the edge of the horizon. The hint of a spectacular sunrise.

I was not in the least bit disappointed as the clouds reflected the magenta and made the world look like we were viewing it through rose-colored glasses... 

As the reds were replaced by the sun's yellow hues my fisher friend, appearing to be one-legged, was searching for breakfast and enjoying the sun as well.

I just don't know how it can get any better than this.

Labor Day Sunrise

One of my neighbors stopped me on the beach this Labor Day morning and said "It doesn't get any better than this, did you take a picture?"

But of course! Happy Labor Day!

Sleeping and dreamy

The first of September has come and gone and somehow I missed it. Maybe I was sleeping in the sand like this mermaid. I wasn't wearing a seaweed necklace like she was so perhaps I was lacking in her magic. 

This lovely lady was almost overshadowed by the pink cloud along the way. It was hazy at the horizon so the sun was blocked from view. That didn't stop the sun's vibrant magenta color from being apparent in this strikingly pink cloud. It was almost looked like an abstract artist at work. 

So here I am a day late, but happy September! Welcome to fall.

Go babies, go!

Our sea turtle nests have been hatching for the past 6 weeks or so and it is always exciting to see early morning evidence of their adventurous nightly escapes from the nests. One of this morning's "evacuations" was particularly impressive. I have always been amazed at the unassuming hole the hatchlings escape from. Hardly more than a gentle dent in the sand. See below with close-up for more clarity. (Don't forget you can click on a photo to enlarge.)

But looking towards the sea you can really witness the tiny tracks (no more than two inches wide) as they head with unerring purpose toward the ocean. These tracks are appropriately called scatter. 

Go babies go!

In a few days the turtle patrol will clean the nest, check for stragglers and count the number of empty eggs shells. I'll bet this nest had well over a hundred of the little guys. Just so you can get an idea of the size of these little creatures — that now have the difficult task of surviving in that big old ocean — here is a photo I took a couple of years ago of a bucket with some rescued hatchings before they are lovingly put in the ocean. They hatched during the day which made them easy prey for seagulls and open for dehydration from the heat of the sun.

However, the scatter on this August 12 morning gave promise of a great future ahead for these particular little turtles. Hope I'm around to see one of them return right here in 20 to 30 years to lay her eggs. Full circle, yes?

Towering menace

Oh so glad I had my umbrella on such a gray and stormy day. This towering menace started throwing water at the ground all around me but it was warm and I loved it. I was also assured me of being practically alone on the strand. 

Ah yes, happiness can even be a bit damp at times.

August already?

Where does time go? It's August already and one of my favorite months of the year. Favorite because nine of my friends have birthdays in August (that includes me.) 
My parents met in August, got married the next year in August... and had ME the following year — in August. Phew. Lots of parties when I was younger but not so many now that we are flung to the wide corners of the country. It's a wonderful month and these early-morning photos are proof.

The first was taken on the first. The other one taken just this morning, August 6th. I thought it was stunning and the pelicans skimming the ocean's surface added a little interest. (Click on the photo to enlarge and get a glimpse of the pelicans, headed north, skimming the surface of the ocean.)

Enjoy! And Happy Birthday all you August babies.

Monsters...

There have been many mornings lately with cloud monsters which I found just plain intriguing so I'll share them with you here.

How about the one below... a Stonehenge look-alike? You decide.

There have also been many sand monsters as compelling as any I've ever seen. Of course you can see them here but unfortunately nothing quite matches the reality. The gator had a sweet look on his smiling face... the better to eat you with, my dear. 

This gruesome guy is growing right out of the sand. 'Tis a bit scary if you have a vivid imagination... I do.

 

Here's looking at you, kid.

I do hope that you enjoyed all... I certainly did.

Lucky day!

Contrary to popular beliefs, Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me. This Friday the 13th was no exception. I was lucky enough to be greeted by a stunning peek at the oncoming sunrise. 

It was also a lucky day for my friend the heron who had just nabbed a fresh fish for breakfast. Too bad the light was still a bit murky but as much as I enjoyed seeing my friend and his fish I was also delighted at the splash of the wave in the background.

Oh yes, 'twas a lucky day indeed!