A Few Animal Encounters

(Great for kids), Fort Lauderdale FL.
See iguanas, a crane and a manatee.

When visiting Pompano Beach, just north of here, I held a little disoriented bird at storefront window, and the other day… I was handed a little grey lizard that was found in the seafood department at a store (both sent safely on their way). I do not recommend holding wild animals though… they can be diseased or even bite!

As a child visiting my grandparents in Miami and Naples, I would catch and keep the little lizards I’d catch on the wall. The green lizards, which I couldn’t find many decades later here a bit farther north (FTL)… I heard were mostly wiped out as a species by a hurricane and replaced by the little brown ones. The stress from capture, I think causes them to shed their skin, so I’d have to let them go.

On the west coast, in a small area called Isle Of Capri (south of Naples) we would catch and release mostly catfish but I quit doing that because it seemed cruel to hurt a fish with a hook.

But other times, the edible fish could be caught (sometimes) out past the bay and more into the Gulf of Mexico. Heading out to sea I remember the manatee warning signs (meaning reduce speed) and once or twice, I remember not being able to see land anywhere and became very sea sick. Dolphins were my favorite but I don’t think I ever saw one. Although swimming with dolphins (in the wild) is illegal, I’d like to do so someday where it’s allowed.

Here in the bayside neighborhood (about a mile from the ocean) is the first time I’ve seen a manatee in person or any flying fish. I’m only there once in a while; and I’ve seen a manatee go by the same spot twice, which I guess is pretty unusual.

At the beach you can sometimes see tiny silver fish dart through the water and rarely, a larger fish can be seen swimming by on a curve at great speed. We all saw a sting ray swimming by the shore too. I’m not sure if they’re dangerous, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Of course seagulls and pelicans are a welcome sight.

I once held a little crab that I and showed some people walking by. When I encounter more, maybe I’ll share another video. Like this video, if you would like that.

Thanks for watching.