Contrasting with these large fish are lovely tropicals - angel fish, butterflys, blue surgeon fish, and beau gregories. Between are the large parrot fish, 14" or more longer. Tropicals are not as numerous as we'd like, but here. We're seeing more live conchs than last time, and lots of sea fans and sponges. Starfish are not plentiful but here; about 6" or so.
The air has its own spectacles. Tens of thousands of Sooty Terns are nesting on Bird Key, continually making themselves heard as they fly around the key. Their darker chicks sometimes line the beach flapping their wings and occasionally take flight. When they do leave, they spend up to 5 years off west Africa before returning.
Brown Noddys frequent the north coal dock area. There are lots of warblers migrating through now. We love the colorful American Redstarts and male Common Yellowthroat warblers. Crowning the sky are the magnificant frigatebirds nesting on Long Key.
The picture is a sunrise with a few Sooty Terns.
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