Expeditions

#sunset #beach #florida #nofilter (at Kice Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp0PiNQOW9z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

There’s something both alien & special about being among the mangroves and seeing crabs in the trees. They’re completely harmless - I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had them crawling on me. #florida #estuary #mangrove #invertebrates #nature #neverstopexploring (at Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiqD78p4l3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Warning: 2nd pic is graphic I’ve been back & forth on posting about this for a while now, but it’s important to be realistic when portraying wildlife conservation. Not every nature post is going to be a happy one. These two animals were victims of human negligence within days of each other. The first is a kingfisher that was entangled in discarded fishing line. It was found hanging in a tree by some good-hearted locals who stuck by it until I could come help them get it down - then it was handed off to @br.ittany3515 and eventually delivered to @conservancyswf The gopher tortoise was hit by a car in the middle of the afternoon, in between a “Tortoise crossing” sign and a 20mph school zone. There’s no way the person who hit this protected animal did it accidentally. Again, I handed it off to @br.ittany3515 to be taken to @conservancyswf As far as I know the kingfisher is recovering. The tortoise died. There is no reason for either of these victims to have suffered at all. I don’t care where you’re from or how long you’ve been coming here - EVERYONE is responsible and accountable for the wildlife here. Many thanks to the people who saw these animals in trouble and did what was necessary to help. If you see an animal in distress please act. Call the authorities and do what you can until help arrives. If you claim to love Florida, protect it from those who won’t. #wildlife #conservation #florida #marcoisland #act #doyourpart #protect #nature #PLEASE (at Marco Island, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpWSSXpDDFV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Shorebirds in Marco are staking out nesting sites for the upcoming season, so it’s more important than ever to make sure to give them space and keep your dogs away from them - or better yet, off the beach completely, during this sensitive time. These nesting birds determine the fate of the next generation, and with 6 acres of nesting sites on the north end of Tigertail now gone due to irresponsible development, critical wildlife areas like Kice and Dickman’s will be that much more important. Enjoy the 10,000 islands, but do it in a way that people who come after you also have that opportunity 👍 #marcoisland #florida #nature #protection #doyourpart #walkthewalk #birds #conservation #beach #wildlife (at Kice Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNywCyuuFt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

No Live Shelling: A story in 5-parts I found a beautiful rose murex on the beach. It was inhabited, but by a hermit crab who looked way too small for the shell it was trying to drag around. The poor little one was stranded above the tide line. I wondered if I could both help it out as well as snag a nice shell out of the deal. So we went home together and I offered several other shells as possible options. Amazingly, the next morning I awoke to find it had swapped shells! Next shelling tour I brought it along in a bottle of seawater and we both went our separate ways, happier we had met and both thankful for the exchange. I love happy endings 🐚 🦀 💙 #nature #hermit #crab #sea #shell #florida #beach #beachcombing #trading #homes #icantbelieveitworked #neverstoplearning #neverstopexploring (at Kice Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpGQUrqp8YD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Seashell photo dump. Can you name them? #florida #sea #shell #beach #treasure #noliveshelling (at Kice Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/Covs7B1NhAf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#florida #beach #beachcombing #sea #shell #love #heart #nature (at Marco Island, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coqc5bHN3ki/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I am so glad that the cold fronts seem to finally be gone for good. I’m happy for some warmth and excited to see more active wildlife. (at Goodland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cof_LvIpoI2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Don’t litter, it sticks around longer than you think. #trash #pollution #florida #nature #pickitup (at Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoDQW97p3PI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s isn’t always dolphins and manatees that capture your attention. Take time to appreciate the tiny wonders as well. (at Isles of Capri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnLfVl9t_CZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Spend time in nature (at Isles of Capri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnJMaL1txQg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Jetski sunset with dolphin in the background: ☑️ #sunset #florida #nature #wildlife #dolphins #estuary #protectedspecies #tursiopstruncatus #justanotherdayattheoffice (at Goodland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDNKFWphWo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

2022 💀 #happynewyear #nofilter #beach #sunset (at Cape Romano) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm3Rvl7M0w2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

🎅🏼🏝️🎄 (at Kice Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmMgMzLpnh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

More of these impressive Oregon trees. I’m used to the little spruce trees in Alaska, and the palms and mangroves here, but these reminded me of the redwoods in Rotorua. 🌲💚 #oregon #flora #nature #tree #photography #neverstopexploring (at Corvallis, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl4SYMnJGQ6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I call this, “Guide Dogs at the aquarium - and my mom” 😆 A day out for Cowboy & Groot #dog #servicedog #guidedog #thanksgiving #aquarium #fieldtrip (at Oregon Coast Aquarium) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClsInOCN7Df/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

More from Oregon… having been in Florida so long I forgot what it’s like to have leaves that change color lol. #fall #colors #oregon #foliage #wherearethepalmtrees #thanksgiving #family #neverstopexploring (at Corvallis, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clo2mOkJn_U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=