Pass-a-Grille Beach
It is thought that the beach derives it's name from the French phrase passe aux grilleurs and the fact fishermen frequently stopped here to get fresh water and cook their catch. This is interesting, considering that there is a greater presence of Spainards in the history of the region, but maybe it's the result of pirates, because there were plenty of those around too.
Pass-a-grille, unlike some of the beaches nearby, is an actual community as opposed to cluster of resort hotels. It's kinda sleepy, and slow, with houses turned into art galleries and B&Bs. The beach, itself, and the water, is lovely.
So when I got out of the car at Pass-a-Grille, I heard an unusual but oddly familiarish bird sound-- like a parakeet. So I started looking while Manning handled the parking meter, and what to my wondering eyes did appear?
Black Headed Conures
Who can resist a beach with it's own population of snarky, adorable greenish-blue parroty birds? Not me.
That was in Pass-A-Grille park; across the street is the beach front. It has a small restaurant and an area next door full of artists and venders selling their wares. Literally just beyond, mere feet, behind the art stalls is this
This is the sea wall. Positioned at the bottom of a short flight of stairs, when approaching, it gives the impression of walking into the sea.
After this, walked around a bit, looking at houses, noting that, less than 200yds from the beach, directly across the island is the intercoastal inlet. Although I didn't see one today, here thar be manatees. Also fishermen. And where there are fishermen...
On what remains of a pier were pelicans, merganzers and, just above dead center, a rather regal looking heron.
Having discovered the beach, walked around, we decided to have drinks and split some peel n' eat shrimp for lunch, and then headed back onto the mainland to the Florida Aquarium.
Upon reaching the first exhibit-- the wetlands-- we were greeted by still more birds.
Wood Ducks
Toothy ducks (merganzer, again)
Sleepy ducks
And a very silly spoonbill who washed his dinner in the water and got it stolen by a school of sheepshead fry.
This one came within inches of crapping on Manning (note to bird: work on aim!)
And then I got to meet folks who weren't birds at all.
(this guy totally made me think of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
All in all, outside the exhibit with the birds, the aquarium was a little disappointing. Oddly, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga was better (still my favorite). But the birds were awesomely snarky, so end the end, it was worth it.
Pass-a-grille, unlike some of the beaches nearby, is an actual community as opposed to cluster of resort hotels. It's kinda sleepy, and slow, with houses turned into art galleries and B&Bs. The beach, itself, and the water, is lovely.
So when I got out of the car at Pass-a-Grille, I heard an unusual but oddly familiarish bird sound-- like a parakeet. So I started looking while Manning handled the parking meter, and what to my wondering eyes did appear?
Black Headed Conures
Who can resist a beach with it's own population of snarky, adorable greenish-blue parroty birds? Not me.
That was in Pass-A-Grille park; across the street is the beach front. It has a small restaurant and an area next door full of artists and venders selling their wares. Literally just beyond, mere feet, behind the art stalls is this
This is the sea wall. Positioned at the bottom of a short flight of stairs, when approaching, it gives the impression of walking into the sea.
After this, walked around a bit, looking at houses, noting that, less than 200yds from the beach, directly across the island is the intercoastal inlet. Although I didn't see one today, here thar be manatees. Also fishermen. And where there are fishermen...
On what remains of a pier were pelicans, merganzers and, just above dead center, a rather regal looking heron.
Having discovered the beach, walked around, we decided to have drinks and split some peel n' eat shrimp for lunch, and then headed back onto the mainland to the Florida Aquarium.
Upon reaching the first exhibit-- the wetlands-- we were greeted by still more birds.
Wood Ducks
Toothy ducks (merganzer, again)
Sleepy ducks
And a very silly spoonbill who washed his dinner in the water and got it stolen by a school of sheepshead fry.
This one came within inches of crapping on Manning (note to bird: work on aim!)
And then I got to meet folks who weren't birds at all.
(this guy totally made me think of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
All in all, outside the exhibit with the birds, the aquarium was a little disappointing. Oddly, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga was better (still my favorite). But the birds were awesomely snarky, so end the end, it was worth it.