Do you know this bird? A cormorant you say? Not so fast! Avoid a case of mistaken identity, and take a closer look…

Thanks to favorable year-round temperatures and plentiful resources, our area supports a wide variety of bird species. All kinds of birds – particularly those that swim, fully submerged, to feed in both salt and fresh water – are just plain fun to watch. Sometimes they appear suddenly from under the water and disappear just as fast, continuing their mad chase after the small fish they eat.

The casual observer may know these birds as cormorants, but that is only part of the answer and only some of the time.… Read More

Dogs, as well as many other pets, become part of the family in most households. They share time, shelter, food – and most importantly, love and companionship. And once you have had the opportunity to share all that with a loyal pet such as a dog, it brings you much joy and happiness and can help to cure depression among other afflictions. Just the simple act of petting your pooch can stimulate positive chemical reactions in your system that make you feel better.

Dogs are used in children’s hospitals and senior centers alike to bring warmth and joy to the sick and infirm.… Read More

Photos by Julie Branaman

Judging from his forlorn expression on Sunday mornings, Henry, our little mixed-breed Chihuaua dog isn’t excited about church. It means we leave him behind while he sadly watches out the window for our return.

Animals are mentioned throughout the Bible, but rarely appear in worship services. Then at the end of September, it happened. Animals of all shapes and sizes were invited to church!

At St. Petersburg’s First Presbyterian Church on Beach Drive, the first annual Blessing of the Animals was held on Saturday, September 29th. Led by Reverend Dr. Dawn Conti, the service was attended by a variety of dogs, two goats, and a pet squirrel.… Read More