This morning I swam in the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico before breakfast and saw a family of dolphins arching gracefully in and out of the water a few hundred yards out. I think they were searching the shallows for small fish.

Years ago before they renourished the beaches the waters used to lap right up to the seawall at the front of the house we lived in. I was standing up on the top balcony and a dolphin came in so far I was afraid he would get stranded - he was chasing a fish that hid in the shallows just a few feet from the seawall. The whole thing happened so fast, it was quite a sight! It was one of those days when the sea was so calm and crystal clear you could easily see to the bottom. The small fish just stayed out of reach of the dolphin who swam off to find a lunch that was easier to catch.

To see a really varied gallery of photos taken on Anna Maria Island go to http://home.comcast.net/~harrington.james/anna_maria_island/anna_maria_island_florida_birds_wildlife_2.html

James has lots of gorgeous photos on his web site of Anna Maria Island, including local scenery and wildlife in its natural environment.