Big Bird On Blind Pass Beach

I spent the afternoon at Blind Pass Beach, near Englewood, FL, and it is quickly becoming my favorite beach. It is not crowded, the water is clear and warm, and there is all sorts of live entertainment. I am sitting in the same place I saw the sea turtle the other day. I haven't seen any turtles today, but this 3 foot tall bird stood about 15 feet from me and stared at me for about 30 minutes. I have to admit that I've always been a little afraid of birds (thanks Alfred Hitchcock), and this bird had a long, sharp-looking beak, but he didn't attack thankfully. I took this with my phone, but i also took some better shots with my digital camera, which I will post soon.

This is my last beach day this trip...waaaaah! I have to go home tomorrow. I am dreading coming back here and seeing blackened, oil-soaked beaches.