The Beach Ball

They've almost completed the Pensacola Beach water tower make-over.

This is one job I think I'd pass up, even if I had the talent to do it. It's been a bit freaky to see them walking around up there.

But can you imagine the view during break time!

Great job, guys!

Bright, shiny new...

...and waiting for you this summer!

How 'bout a handout, mister

In the Gulf of Mexico, there were a couple of gentlemen enjoying a day of fishing.

And on the bank was a Great Blue Heron patiently waiting between their two knapsacks for a handout.

FP 5251

Patrollers seem to luck into discovering a nest on a day they are substituting for someone else.   We tease each other about it all the time.  That was the case at Ft. Pickens this morning when I discovered the tracks of a small loggerhead.  It is the first sea turtle of the season for the Ft. Pickens area.  Her crawl width was only 31 inches, so she is probably young. In contrast, a loggerhead crawl in another area earlier this month was 41inches wide, making her a BIG girl!

Unfortunately the nest was located too close to the water and in an area which frequently washes over during storms, so it had to be relocated by the biologist.  The egg chamber was also very shallow, just a few inches from the surface.

Although it's difficult to tell much about the photo below due to the angle, I've drawn a couple of circles that indicate the location of  1) the body pit, and 2) location of the egg chamber.

You can also see that high surf a month or so ago washed in a lot of sargassum (seaweed). It will eventually decompose and be washed over by sand, looking as beautiful as ever. Although most of us don't like it very well, the shorebirds love it because it is loaded with all kinds of tiny crustaceans for them to feed on.

I'll be back patrolling on Sunday, so wish me another nest!!!  We're two nests behind at Ft. Pickens for this time last year!

Eggs from Taos

My brother-in-law and his wife are visiting from Taos, New Mexico and brought us some of their "farm fresh eggs"!   Who knew Dr. Seuss was telling the truth; there really are green eggs.  Now about Whoville...

"From there to here, and from here to there, funny things are everywhere!"

~ Dr. Seuss

The Great Blue Heron

A Great Blue Heron at Ft. Pickens.

"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man." 

~ Author Unknown

The Great Egret

Although I've seen many Snowy Egrets (smaller, with bright yellow feet) during my turtle patrols, this is the very first time I've ever see a Great Egret at either Ft. Pickens or Santa Rosa.  What a beauty.  I wish I could have gotten closer for a better shot.



The Pelican

He's not watching me so much as looking for a handout!  I rarely get a close shot of pelicans.  

Spring on the island

One of the special advantages we have on the island and coastal mainland each spring is watching osprey build their nests and go through their mating ritual.   An osprey's wingspan can reach up to six feet, so you can imagine how incredible it is to watch them soaring high in the sky or diving into the Gulf for fish.

Yesterday afternoon I rode with my friend and fellow photographer, Harry Purcell, to Ft. Pickens to observe returning osprey and try for some photos. Harry very graciously allowed me to try out his Canon 70-200mm prime lens, and I was able to capture some nice shots. 

I've found myself becoming more curious about indigenous wildlife as a result of my patrols in the last few years. What started as a passion for sea turtles has expanded to several sea and shore birds as well.

Osprey typically mate for life.  The female (left) is generally larger, has a slightly large wing span, and usually has more brown speckling across their chest. 

Osprey typically return to the same nest year after year. 

Looks like we'll see the female nesting soon.

Whether you live here or are visiting Pensacola Beach, this is a wonderful time to visit Ft. Pickens (especially with a pair of binoculars) to watch the osprey soar and work on their nests. Either early morning or late afternoon is a great time to watch them fish also.

Kids and Kritters!

Despite the cold weather and gusty winds, there was quite a turnout for the Kids and Kritters parade at Casino Beach this weekend! 

Simple, but elegant!



As you can see in this young lady's float, she came prepared with plenty of throws for the crowd!



The kritters were checking out their competition. too!

What a beautiful Afghan Hound!

Deb and Daisy!

Sneaking a ride!

The wind was so gusty, it was almost like riding with your head out the window!

Ahhhhhh....some things are sweeter than Moon Pies! 

Masks were helping to keep little faces warm!

At last, a camera hound!  

Little Lauren had an awesome costume!  Wonder if that wig comes in my size!

Mom, you can pick me up any time now.

This little pup loved riding in the basket!  It also allowed her to fuss at the big dogs from a safe perch!

So cute!

Where's Waldo?

Doggles!!!  And they came in very handy on such a windy day!  Isn't he the coolest canine?!

A frou frou tutu!

Showing the love!

Yep, the pup is still trying to tell the big dogs who's boss!

Lauren got to take home a prize!

Another prize winner in the Kid's category.

This could put a dent in the guard dog reputation.

Love the Lucky Dogs!

Lots of treats!

Hmmm, ya think he's a Parrothead?

No, no...the treats are THIS way!

A very smart dog!

"The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor" ~~ Margo Kaufman

Dad, look!  They're handing out Milk Bones!

Look at that profile!  

In style!

Miss Daisy!

Seeing

Dune sunflowers are blooming all over the island, teasing us with thoughts of warm summer days and bright turquoise water. 

"Merely looking at the world around us is immensely different from seeing it."

~~ Frederick Frank (1909 - 2006)