Tired Pidgeon

We were out on Sunday, well all weekend actually, spearfishing. On Sunday, the winds were a little strong, but nothing radical. Maybe 13 knots but current made the waves larger than what you would have expected. Anyways, I was eating my sandwich and doing drift duty with the boat (others drift and dive with the boat, and I keep the boat near them) and felt a presence behind me. I looked up at the bow and there was a pidgeon perched on the boat. He was tired, I guess. How did he get so far out? We were near Sand Key.
His leg was tagged, so ...I don't know. I don't know what any of this means, but here he is.

Birding at Dry Tortugas

After almost two years of living in Key West, and five years of visiting the Keys, we finally made it out to Dry Tortugas. Parents visiting, the perfect time to go. And BONUS: LOCALS' DICOUNT!!! It's half price for locals until mid December I think. That's $75 plus some fees making it closer to $80. Excellent.

Let me just say that the guide was the best ever. I wish I could remember her name because she is so good at her job. She's a scientist, a park ranger I think, and she's hired by Yankee Fleet to tell us about the Dry Tortugas and the wildlife we encounter on the way and while we're there. She loves birds, so she brings a telescope to the fort and sets it up on the beach. There are two smaller islands near the island where Fort Jefferson is located. One had tons of peregrine falcons on it and the other had frigates. She knew all about the plight of various bird species in the area. She pointed out and counted boobies on a nav marker as we approached the fort by boat. She had stories, facts, and anything you wanted to know.