Sea Shells, Photography and New Islands

Sea Shells, Photography and New Islands

A few years back on a trip with Gail and Billie we stopped by a newly formed sandbar in the Gulf. To my amazement there were 6 Avocets on this little spit of sand.  In 22 years I had not seen this bird on the out islands.  We named this little sandbar “Avocet Island”. The sandbar would appear then disappear over the years. Well this week Gail and crew were here and the sandbar has appeared in recent days.   It is the biggest I have seen this sandbar aka Avocet Island and it now has a little lagoon in the middle. Mother Nature provided good shells and clear water on this trip to Avocet Island, but we will have to see what she does in the coming weeks.
  Thanks for joining me on another adventure.
  Capt Brian
Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

3 Comments
  • Gail Douglas
    Posted at 17:22h, 10 May

    I was beyond excited when you said that Avocet Island had reappeared in time for us to explore!! I can't describe the feeling of standing on that spit of new land, with just us and the birds, the shells and the sound of the sea all around us. So peaceful. We always learn new things every visit we have with you. And someday, that Lion's Paw will turn up!! Thanks again for another wonderful morning!

  • Nancy
    Posted at 04:58h, 13 May

    So much fun to be on Avocet Island!!! Nice Shark's Eye, too 🙂

  • Kathy H
    Posted at 04:58h, 13 May

    This looks like it was another awesome trip. The new sand spit, Avocet island, sounds special!