VIDEO BEACH UPDATES:

Check out a great video that one of our guests posted on YouTube on January 2, 2013!  Gives viewers a tour of a Gulf Front guest room and our property and beach:

January 18, 2013:

December 19, 2012:

December 18, 2012:

December 14, 2012:

October 15, 2012:

August 21, 2012:

August 14, 2012:

August 3, 2012:

July 31, 2012:

July 27, 2012:

July 20, 2012:

June 28, 2012:

June 22, 2012:

June 19, 2012:

May 18, 2012:

May 11, 2012:

April 20, 2012:

April 13, 2012:

April 10, 2012:

April 6, 2012:

March 28, 2012:

March 16, 2012:

November 29, 2010

The release of gannets from the Seabird Sanctuary on November 24, 2010:

FINAL PELICAN UPDATE OCTOBER 15, 2010:

Well…we have adopted 2 really smart pelicans!  Yesterday, our grownup twin pelicans decided that they were ready to fly on their own. They took to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and they will take care of themselves and each other. Our twins are still staying close to home and we were able to catch them enjoying their freedom and getting in the gorgeous sunshine very close to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Please see our  recently recorded video, posted below. They have already made friends that they are hanging out with. These beautiful birds will stay in the warm waters and then, as the waters cool in the fall and winter months in Florida, they will slowly make their way down the coast towards the warmer waters of Miami and the Florida Keys. Right now the fishing is plentiful in our warm waters and the birds instinctually know that, so they will have their fill of food.We hope that you have enjoyed us sharing our story of the wonderful adoption of our Pelican mom “Cookie” and her darling babies “Tiki” and “Mango”. Please know how important it is that we all participate in some way to help the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary continue to give the attention that they do to these helpless birds. Anyone, no matter where you live, can be a part of this cause. It just takes a little time, a little money and a big heart. Why not adopt a bird today!

 We will continue to be a strong supporter of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in the future. 

Please click on the link below to visit the website for the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  The sanctuary survives solely on donations from the public and are always in need of supplies to help them feed and care for the many seabirds that depend on the Seabird Sanctuary for their survival: www.seabirdsanctuary.com 

Pelican Update October 8, 2010:

Did you know that Pelicans inhabit areas around the world usually in large flocks of more than 100 birds? Pelicans rest and nest together in these communities but often hunt and feed alone with the exception of the female pelican feeding her pelican chicks. The pelican chicks are known to gather together in small groups within the communial nesting site of their parents.

Pelican Update October 1, 2010:

Did you know that Brown Pelicans can glide 6 inches over the water while looking for fish? They also require 4 pounds of fish per day and their favorite  fish is called the Atlantic Menhaden. Brown Pelicans have air sacs under the front of their bodies to cushion them against the force of hitting the surface of the water when catching their food. They also have a clear membrane over their eyes to protect them under water and during flight. Please keep in mind that these graceful birds and many more can be seen up close at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary on Indian Shores.

Pelican Update September 23, 2010: 

Here is a beautiful picture of “Cookie” and her boyfriend at the Seabird Sanctuary. These 2 have been each others mates for over ten years now. It is interesting how they don’t really hang out together until mating season. Then, they are inseparable all the way through the entire process of the nesting, the hatching of the eggs and then the protection of their babies until they are ready to leave and be on their own.

Pelican Update September 10, 2010:

“Cookie”, our Mommy Pelican at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, is still keeping a close eye on her twin babies. However, the twins are getting very independent and are starting to mingle with their new friends. It’s sometimes a bit hard to distinct the 2 juveniles from the grownup pelicans. They still have white chest feathers which they proudly display when they spread their wings while learning fly. Female pelicans tend to travel with a group while the males keep much more to themselves. The only time that they get back together is when breeding season comes and instinct tells them to find a mate. Interestingly enough, the female does the choosing of her mate.

The twins are fishing for themselves now and fighting their own battles if need be. This beautiful little family has been such a sweet story for us at the Doubletree Beach Resort to be able to share with all of you. The help that this Sanctuary gives all of these birds in danger 365 days a year is remarkable. With endless hours in the heat these volunteers and employees put their own needs aside for the love of these helpless animals. Thank goodness for such a marvelous organization!