Perdido Key Saturday

Yes, I've spent a lot of time at Perdido Key this week, often waiting on the sun.



Today, I had to finish the Kemp's stranding from Friday, check on a hatching sea turtle nest and do a quick bird survey.



RUTUs were involved...



There were SNEGs as well (snowy egrets)



and the ubiquitous models, the great blue heron. I never get tired of their statuesque poses.

There was another stranding today as well -- a stunning juvenile green sea turtle over on the Pensacola Naval Air Station that had been sliced by a boat propeller. I always hate those calls, but it's important to learn what we can from an animal, even though it's sad to have such a learning opportunity.


I almost bought a 500mm lens last night, but decided to wait til I know if I have a job in December. I'm just anxious to take better pictures!

Sunrise in the Sea Oats

Again with the sunrise, I know. The only thing missing in my morning ritual lately is a steaming mug of green tea. If only I could figure out how to keep some hot til I drove all the way to PK. With the chill in the air, it would definitely make sunrise a perfect moment.



I never know if I should include disturbing photos like I took today of a stranded Kemp's ridley, so I'm leaving it out for now. It was a sad sight on the east tip of the island, but it's a part of life. It's really sad to lose an adult, knowing how many obstacles they have overcome to reach maturity. To lose an adult Kemp's is sadder still as the species huddles on the brink of extinction. It makes me very happy to know we were able to release over 500 Kemp's hatchlings this summer!



The ruddy turnstones seem to follow my every turn lately. I'm not quite sure what that means, but it's lovely to see them!



Of course, the semi-palmated plovers are back in town as well. Both birds make me think of men in tuxedos for some reason. They just look all dressed up!

A Perdido Key Morning

I often arrive in the park, even at the distant Perdido Key area, well before dawn, and I ride the beach, searching for turtle tracks or hatchlings while waiting for the sun.



The snowy egrets wait with me.



When the sun arrives, it's always the start of a beautiful day!



Even if there are masses of jellies on the beach.



Just how often do you have time, or opportunity, to watch a great blue heron stalk his own shadow?

A Pensacola Beach Morning...

Here's the view from my turtle patrol this morning on Pensacola Beach...



Who wouldn't want my job?