Okaloacoochee Slough January 13, 2016

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Eagle Lakes January 12, 2016

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Naples Botanical Garden January 12, 2016

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the beach belongs to the birds

Today the beach belongs to the shorebirds

After the tornado touched down last night just up the coast

After the morning rain and the riptide warnings

We find ourselves alone as we walk the wrack line.

A torrential downpour blows in from the Gulf

So we shelter squatting and kneeling on a beach lounge chair

Holding the canopy roof over us, ignoring the rental sign

Viewing the terns and skimmers standing nearby in the puddles.

For many millions of years this beach has hosted these birds

Long before humans existed, before recent resort developments

Brought our species here in large numbers occupying the sand

When the sun shines and the warm water invites immersion.

Today except for a few walkers the beach is empty of people

Not a good day for sunbathing or swimming

So we get to see great variety of avian life

So many different kinds of birds identified.

The shoreline is a public place not owned by anyone

A part of the vast commons of oceans that surround us here

So good to protect this resource for everyone forever

Not to be bulldozed and built up into dead zone habitat.

The birds of course have no awareness of property lines

Only great wariness that comes from being hunted

As we approach cautiously, delighted to see uncommon sights:

Marbled godwits, snowy plovers, sandwich terns and a red knot.