Beachside Vultures and Windblown Herons: A Wildlife Weekend - May 24/25, 2025

After an incredible Friday evening of birding, I went into the weekend absolutely buzzing. I had a mission: gather videography for my upcoming Great Blue Heron mini-documentary. Everything was mapped out — script, shot list, timings. It’s actually sitting right next to me on the couch as I write this. Yes, I’m that person. A planner. I need structure, otherwise I end up wandering off into the wild unknown (which… honestly, also feels like me).

But here’s the part that’s harder to explain: even with all that excitement, even with a plan I was genuinely passionate about, getting out of bed was hard. When you're navigating grief and depression, even the things you love can feel impossible. It’s like your mind puts up a wall — not because you don’t care, but because everything just feels so heavy. I had to push, push, push myself to get up and go. It took everything.

But I made a commitment to myself: to keep showing up for this dream, even when it’s hard. And I know, deep down, I always feel better once I’m out there. Nature never fails to meet me where I am — and somehow, it always brings a little light back in.

Saturday morning, I rose early, full of intention and iced coffee. My first stop was my favorite lagoon — a surefire spot for herons. And bingo: heron city! But I wasn’t alone. The lagoon was teeming with photographers. I grumbled internally (okay, maybe a little externally too), then reminded myself they had just as much right to be there as I did. Thankfully, a few herons had taken up residence in a quieter area, so I headed their way and got to work.

I watched this heron intently as it fished for its breakfast — quiet, focused, and completely in the zone. And just when I thought I was about to get the perfect shot… bam! Classic butt and back view. All that suspense for the full rear-angle experience. Thanks, heron. Truly the supermodel behavior I didn’t ask for but definitely expected.

Once I felt satisfied with what I’d captured, I moved on to a city park where I knew herons were nesting. The nests were way up in the pines, making it nearly impossible to get any decent footage. But I did manage to get this Heron nesting peaking at me from his nest. So cute!

So naturally, I got distracted by goslings and turtles sunbathing on a log — as one does. But here’s the win: I didn’t just take photos. I actually filmed! Progress, people.

Did You Know?

When you see painted turtles lined up on a log, they're not just working on their tan — they're basking to regulate their body temperature. As cold-blooded animals, they rely on the sun to warm up their bodies, boost their metabolism, and even help fight off infections. That log isn't just a hangout spot — it's a turtle spa and health clinic all in one!

Did You Know?

Baby goslings are born with soft, yellow down feathers, which help keep them warm in their early days. As they grow, they begin to molt that fluffy yellow coat and gradually develop gray juvenile feathers. This transition usually starts around 3–4 weeks of age and continues as they mature into full-fledged young geese. The color change helps them blend better with their surroundings — nature’s way of adding a little camouflage as they grow up!

Who doesn't love a gosling cuddle party.....So freaking cute for mini Cobra Chickens in the making.

Crowds eventually found me there too, and while I genuinely don’t mind chatting with people, on this day I craved solitude. I wanted to be alone with the animals, to quiet my mind. As the noise grew, I packed up and headed home to review my footage — and wow. I was buzzing all over again. So many great moments captured. I felt proud of myself for sticking to the plan (mostly).

Sunday rolled around, and after a night of wrestling with insomnia, hauling myself out of bed was an act of sheer will. But I did it — back to the lagoon I went, hoping for stillness. Instead, nature greeted me with wind, cold, and a high tide. It wasn’t looking good… until I turned my gaze toward the beach.

And there they were.

Herons. On the beach. Jackpot. I lugged my gear a few steps from the car, set up, and filmed in the gusty chill. I watched this heron for nearly ten minutes — crouched, focused, poised for glory… and then? Nothing. No catch, no dinner, no triumphant gulp. Just a soggy, wind-blown bird looking mildly embarrassed. Honestly, with the wind whipping around him like that, I wanted to wrap him up in a tiny sweater and tell him, "It's okay buddy, we all have off days."

Once I wrapped up a few heron shots, I turned around and there they were: turkey vultures.

People often call turkey vultures ugly, but I couldn’t disagree more. I think they’re beautiful — those rich, chocolate brown feathers paired with their striking red faces? Stunning. And let’s be real: no feathers on the face means way easier cleanup after a messy meal. Honestly, that’s just smart design. I say they’re one up on all the other birds for that reason alone.

Watched a turkey curiously pull at something jelly-like on the beach — probably thinking it was a gourmet sea snack. One poke, one nibble, and it dropped it like, “Absolutely not. That’s a hard no.” I swear it looked personally offended, like the ocean had just insulted its taste buds.

First two, then four. Flying, landing, repeating — totally unbothered by the nearby people. I’m convinced they were young ones, still figuring out how the world works. I captured a photo of two of them on the sand, one looking at the other like, “Really? You wanted us to land here? Now what?” It had the energy of mild judgment or maybe just sibling bickering. I kept my respectful distance (thank you, 600mm lens — worth every sore muscle), and just observed their awkward, wonderful beach hangout.

Did You Know?

Young turkey vultures are often seen exploring unusual places — like beaches — as they learn the ropes of scavenging. Unlike adults who stick to known food sources, juveniles are more curious and less experienced, which means they sometimes wander into new environments in search of snacks (or… questionable jelly-things). These beach strolls are part of how they build their survival skills!

And then I saw it.

Out on a distant sandbar, a Bald Eagle stood alone, regal and still. I scrambled to reposition, heart pounding… but just as I was readying for the shot, a man and his son accidentally flushed the eagle. He soared away before I could capture more than a few seconds of shaky video and slightly out of focus photo.

However, as I watched the Bald Eagle standing proudly on the beach, a fishing trawler drifted in the background — a quiet reminder of how closely our human activities overlap with the lives of wild creatures. Moments like that make it clear just how important conservation is. These birds need space, clean water, and safe habitats to thrive — and it’s up to us to make sure they have it.

But I wasn’t disappointed. I had footage of herons, turkey vultures, and even a brief encounter with a bald eagle. And as I sat there on the beach, watching the herons exist so peacefully, I took a deep breath and reminded myself: This is the dream. I may not be getting paid in dollars, but I’m paid in something else — something richer.

This work — documenting wildlife, sharing their stories, showing how healing it is to simply be in their presence — this is my calling. Watching these animals live their lives amidst shifting tides, encroaching humans, and uncertain conditions… their resilience reminds me of mine. And that’s why I write these blogs. That’s why I share my journey.

And yes — proof that I’m actually filming!

Check out the photos below to see my video setup in action. Tripod, camera, and a whole lot of determination!