Laughing gulls at sunset, Anna Maria, Fl

In these uncertain times, one thing for certain is that our wildlife is adjusting to the absence of human intrusion into their worlds.  There are images of animals exploring empty streets and waterways, like in Venice where their canals are so clear right now, one can see sea life in the usually busy and turbulent waterways.  There are images of deer herds wandering around empty town streets, cougars wandering the streets in Santiago, Chile, and dolphins swimming and jumping near the banks of Istanbul due to the lull of boat traffic and fishermen.  Even on the beaches of Anna Maria, the birds have most of the beaches to themselves with little intrusion by the normal crowds.

It is a nice reminder that we are Mother Nature’s guests on this planet and all the beauty that is right outside our door …. is a gift.  And it is free.