Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Magnificent Day








One of my favorite birds is the Magnificent Frigatebird. This bird is is an ocean going bird. It snatches food from the water in flight. I have heard stories of this bird being in the water after an unsuccessful attempt at getting food. Once this bird is in the water it cannot get out. It is unable to spread its wings and get lift off that low to the surface. Today I saw one in the water and retrieved it from the water. Then I placed it on the rail of the boat in hopes that it would fly. It was still soaking wet and sitting calmly beside me. I then realized that the rail of the boat may not be high enough for the bird to start flying, so I  wrapped a towel over my right forearm and set the bird on my forearm. Then we turned the boat into the wind and picked up speed. I held my arm as high as I could hold it in the air. For a moment it was just me and the Frigate into the wind. I knew it was time and he seemed to know it was time to spread its wings and fly. The Frigate did just that, he spread his wings and flew. It was an amazing moment in nature. Truly amazing. I was happy to be there to help my feathered friend the Magnificent Frigatebird. It is nice to know when I look up, the Magnificent Frigatebird is watching over me.

16 comments:

Shelllady said...

What a cool story!!! There has to be a wonderful message in it somewhere!!! I wish I could have seen that...I think you should feel extra special to have helped that magnificent bird!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!!

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Shelllady, There were more messages than the book of Psalms today. I felt extra special to be a part of the whole experience.

Melissa said...

Wow! This is awesome! Great pictures and quite a story to tell!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

That was spectacular! A once in a lifetime experience. Who would know that those birds couldn't fly once they landed in the water? I learned something new today. Oh how you must have walked on air all day after such an experience.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Kim, Still walking on air. Right now I see no land in sight, "nothing but air", nothing but air". Capt.Brian

Liz said...

Very cool story! Thank you for sharing.

gpc said...

What an incredible experience! The 'one-ness' of it all takes my breath away.

Morgan said...

That's so spectacular! What an experience!

Roxanne Reinhart said...

Amazing experience...I would not have known the bird was in distress. It looks like he is just floating along waiting on a fish to come past. How fortunate for the bird that you came along. What an incredible feeling to save another living creature!! I can only imagine.

Blue Crabs, Hon! said...

Don't know anybody who deserves a moment like that more than you, brother. U got nature zen n whatnot.

Nikolas Ventura said...

I was amazed by this whole thing. I wish I would have ha my camera out! From my point of view it was even more incredible. Great job Brian!!

Anonymous said...

How simply amazing...someone made sure you were in the right place at the right time. And only you could have known what to do. Wow.

Anonymous said...

http://www.birdfellow.com/journal/2009/04/10/bathing_with_frigatebirds

That would have been his final bath! Nice work, Captain!

Kaybe said...

You are my hero!

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

What a lucky Frigate that you happened by!! You are amazing!

Lori White said...

What a great story! You were at the right place at the right moment!