A morning of birding at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area brought some great wildlife encounters - a Barred Owl, a Snail Kite in action, and a juvenile Little Blue Heron that had me guessing. But an unsettling discovery about playback photography left me reflecting on the importance of respecting nature while capturing its beauty.

Spotting a flock of elegant White Pelicans during their winter visit to Florida brought rare delight. These migratory birds exhibit unique feeding habits, preferring isolated areas away from open waters. The sighting of a pair of Great Horned Owls added a touch of enchantment, reaffirming the sanctuary status of Robinson Preserve.