A Roseate Spoonbill Enjoys Sanibel Island in Winter

Florida was spared the major impact of Hurricane Sandy 2012.

And I am sure that the birds were happy, especially the Roseate Spoonbills.

The Ding Darling wildlife Sanctuary on Sanibel, FL is home to the Roseate Spoonbill.  And it is a special place of peace and tranquility.

It will be interesting to see if the birds of the north fly south for the winter sooner rather than later as the latest hurricane has caused such havoc in the northern states, even for the birds.


Sanibel, FL 2012'

 

Honoring Life Even in Death

I love the beach, especially the sun, the water, the sand and the birds. When I go to the beach, I live for these things. I love to go to bird sanctuaries, especially those near the beach.

My friend enjoys watching birds too, but she explained to me that she is an avid shell collector and this is her passion.

I have considered the beauty of shells but frankly they are more of a nuisance than a pleasure. At the beach, I try to avoid stepping on them as much as possible. And many are broken anyway, so I wonder why I should bother with shells. They have sand on them and they stink if dead things are left inside.

When my friend put all of her shells out to dry, I took a second look and I saw the beauty. I realized that while I see beauty in birds because they are alive, my friend sees beauty in what remains from a living thing. Though it no longer has life, it represents the remnants of life and it is more beautiful than the creature which it protected.

And then I met a stranger at the bird sanctuary who took a picture of a feather floating in the water...and he said "there is beauty in everything...if you look carefully you will find it..."

Maybe the next time I avoid stepping on a shell, I'll pick it up and take it home...just as a keepsake to remember that "life is beautiful and even in death, that beauty can be celebrated."

Shelling Soul
Sanibel Island, FL 11'

Flying Solo

For those in life that appreciate the freedom in a single flight,
realize that life can be beautiful in its own right
to choose to explore alone,

to live as one
is also to be happy
and uniquely whole!







Flying Soul "o"
Sanibel Island 11'