Rolling Patriotism

Spotted this bold, patriotic message in a parking lot. I didn't have my DSLR with me, but, fortunately, a SDP staff member was on hand to offer their phone camera. Hear! Hear!! Honk...clap...sing for America. Now, let's knuckle down and resolve the national debt issue.

#400

For the 400th post of Sarasota Daily Photo, we give you the other side of Sarasota. A short drive from the pristine beaches, sidewalk cafes and cultural arts events, you'll find open country with horses grazing -- and even a shetland pony. It's nice to have both worlds so easily accessible.

Tern

Question: Is this a Least Tern or a Royal Tern? For the SDP staff, the least of our worries should be bird identification; however, occasionally it's a royal pain. I would hate for things to take an ugly turn and for staff to misidentify this feathered creature...but, I'm not 100% sure. I suspect it's a Royal, though.  These are the burning issues which are debated ad nauseam at the SDP Headquarters. By the way, this cute fellow was spotted soaring over Sarasota Bay near Ken Thompson Park.

Creepy Crabs

I was strolling along the beach yesterday looking for seabirds to shoot (with my camera, of course), when I heard leaves rustling as I walked by a tree. Correction: I thought it was the sound of leaves rustling. Much to my surprise, the sound was coming from hundreds (if not thousands) of little crabs as they scurried over the sand and seaweed away from my feet. To see that many crabs, scooting sideways --- some of them with their itty bitty claws defensively positioned in front of their little eyes --- is a little creepy. They were still at it when I walked by on my return trip: whooosh....whoosh. ((creepy))

Sizzlin' Stroll

It was 93 degrees at 5:30 p.m. and these folks were enjoying a stroll along Sarasota Bay at Ken Thompson Park.  Me?  I snapped this shot and scampered into the cool, refreshing air conditioning.

Outta the Nest

This osprey decided to stay close to home during its hunting expedition late yesterday afternoon. See the brown blob on the satellite dish in the background? That's home sweet home. But, it opted for the tippy top of a nearby sailboat mast to perch and monitor Sarasota Bay for dinner.

Curtain of Moss

If there's Spanish moss nearby and I have my camera, chances are pretty good I'm going to take a shot or two, especially if I'm in the country and the light is halfway decent.  I like how this curtain of moss is blowing to the side to reveal the oncoming truck barreling down the road.