Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sunday Walk On The Beach

Late afternoon, one of my friends wanted to go walking on the beach, so we drove over to Resident Access #4. It was a nice surprise to see much less traffic on the streets today. There were still a good number of people on the beach, but not as many as there were the past two weeks. The ones who were there, seemed so happy to be in the warmth of the sun. It is easy to tell which people have come from cold weather.

It was nice and warm again today with bright sunshine, the humidity was low, there was a breeze and the water was very calm. I guess that is right up there with perfect, don't you think? We walked barefoot in the water as we talked and looked for special shells. :-) We saw lots of birds today. I was taking a photo of a large group of them when a man went stomping past and right into the middle of the group, making them all take flight. In a matter of seconds, they all flew right back again. You can call me silly if you want to, but I walk slowly around the birds trying not to startle them. I feel like it is their home and I am the intruder, so I should be the one to move over. I would be curious to know how others feel about that. I know it may seem like a small or silly thing and they can fly right back, but I just think we should be a little more kind if we can? While on that subject, what do you think about those parents who sit in their beach chairs and watch their children, running and chasing the birds away everytime they see them on the beach, and they do nothing to stop it? I'll have to say that it sure makes me shake my head and wonder.

First thing I noticed was some fine 'Beach Art'.












The water wasn't reddish color, I'm not sure what happened in the beginning of this video, but it gets better after a few seconds.

10 comments:

George said...

Thanks for an enjoyable walk on the beach -- I really needed that today. I agree with you. We should be a little more considerate of nature at all times.

A said...

Thanks for the pics,I see the red, that was unusual. Anyway on your question, yes..To me it kinda ticks me off, I mean kids will be kids, I have 5 & there are times a parent can’t see them every second. I myself wouldn’t get upset if they did it once if they were very young because I don’t think they really understand much like lets say a 10 yr & older would. I wouldn’t allow my kids to do it; to me it’s just mean, more so when they start to antagonize them like some kids do. Chasing birds is just 1 of the many things I see kids do and wonder with disbelief. Ok,I feel better now.. :) Sorry...

Frank Baron said...

All creatures should be treated with respect. I share your disapproval of those who do not do so.

Dave said...

I agree basically with what you say about other creatures' environments Tootie, but I wouldn't worry about children chasing the gulls. The gulls really don't mind and in my mind it is a restful and fun thing to watch. I think it perfectly natural for children to case them. - Dave

Snowbird said...

I'm with you on the birds. I always walk around them. This is their time and their place to rest. It really ticks me off when I see adults who are shelling who can't give the birds that little bit of beach for fear they might miss a shell. So they just walk through making the birds fly away. I'm with Alice about kids. Once--ok, they don't know any better. Twice or more, then I get angry. Of course it really gets me when the parents sit there and laugh and encourage the kids.

Jacque said...

I loved the birds on Sanibel...and that so many of them let us walk virtually among them, if we walked quietly. I do not know why adults are not considerate and why they train their children up the same way. I have probably 50+ pictures of birds from our trip...it was definitely one of the highlights!

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

I don't let my DD chase the birds. Sometimes she likes to spook them to see them fly away, but mostly she just tries to get closer to them because she's interested in them. I always try to walk around them. I don't think they should be chased or spooked intentionally. They deserve our respect just as people do. Maybe that's what's wrong today....many people have no respect for other people, so why should they for the birds?

Hilary said...

I agree totally about teaching our kids respect for all creatures. They need to know their importance. It's often children that grow up without pets that can't get past the concept that animals are some sort of amusing toy. On the other hand, it's best that the birds are challenged every now and then. I'd hate to see them so complacent that their instincts don't kick in when there's real danger.

Lovely photos you took.. and thanks for your visit to my blog the other day. Much appreciated. :)

Louise said...

One word from me: Jealous!!!

Mare said...

I am in total agreement with you about the birds. We've always taught Miss Renee to walk around them...even when she was just a tot.

And the thought of the grown man acting that way? It makes me furious!

*Insert a little red faced person screaming and ranting here*

;)