The true “snowbirds” are back. The white pelican is snowy white with black flight feathers on the outer parts of the wing, primarily visible when the birds are in flight. They spend their winters here in Southwest Florida, migrating from ...
The therapeutic power of dolphin human interactions seems to be a positive outcome of dolphin assisted therapy (DAT). Proponents believe the dolphins’ playful and empathetic nature creates a unique bond which can act as a powerful motivator ...
Bottlenose dolphins have a number of unique hunting techniques that are dependent on the dolphins’ location. One technique is called “sponging.” This is when the dolphin places a sponge on its beak to protect it from sharp rocks and coral ...
On my sunset charters out of Tarpon Lodge, I have the engaging experience of watching the white ibis roosting in the mangroves south along Wilson Cut on my return after sunset. On the way out to sunset, they are not there. They are finishing ...
This Labor Day weekend offered lots of time on the water in Pine Island Sound with guests onboard. The weather held out and I was impressed by the number of nursery pods we encountered on our journeys. Nursery pods are made up of moms, ...
I moved to Matla-cha Island in 1978. I was in my 20s and had a windsurfer. I often set out sailing from my parent’s house on Clyde Street into the Pass. I never worried about hurricanes. Hurricanes were pretty non-existent in Matlacha at ...
It is common for me to have to cancel charters due to lightning this time of year. Having been struck indirectly twice in my lifetime on the water in Southwest Florida, it is very personal. Lightning can travel a surprisingly long distance ...
The phrase “a healthy shark means a healthy ocean” highlights the vital role sharks play in maintaining a balanced and thriving marine ecosystem throughout the world. The presence and health of shark populations serve as an indicator of the ...
As I cruise through Matlacha Pass on my back bay and sunset tours, as well as Pine Island Sound on my dolphin and nature tours, it is heartbreaking to see the damage Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton have brought to our mangrove islands. It ...
Running charters out of Tarpon Lodge to Cabbage Key, I witness our local Pine Island Sound bottlenose dolphins routinely slapping their tails above the water just about anywhere. Sometimes it is quite forceful and loud, and other times it is a ...
