Though some will lament that Florida lacks the colorful changing of seasons, there are still signs. In my mind, Summer doesn’t follow the calendar, it begins in early May with the onset of hot and humid weather and ends in mid-October when the heat finally subsides.

But long before there is a noticeable difference in temperature, the movements of several bird species hint at the seasonal changes ahead.

While many fly south to Florida for the winter, there is a good-sized soaring bird that wings its way from here to even warmer climes down in South America: the Magnificent Frigatebird.

During the summer months, small groups of Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) can be found soaring over salty water near me. Their 7-8’ long, narrow wings are not only distinctive but they are incredibly powerful- Magnificents are some of the fastest birds in the world, often hitting 95 mph!

While paddling recently I noted that the Magnificents had amassed into a much larger group (I counted close to 100 of them). To me, that was a sign they were getting ready to migrate.

I realized that my time to capture decent photos of them was dwindling. So, on my next free morning, I grabbed my camera and headed to Fort De Soto Park. Just before the entrance, I found them swooping low over a small fresh water pond.

Most of them flew off when I approached but fortunately a few of them stayed and continued drinking under the watchful eye of a white-throated female. After about 30 minutes, they caught a nearby thermal and slowly ascended high into the sky. What a wonderful experience, I look forward to their return next March!

I read recently that Summer temperatures in Florida are averaging 5-10 degrees warmer than in decades prior. This past week the heat has been especially intense, with Tampa officially hitting 100° for the first time in recorded history.

Speaking of history, I spent one of those hot days wandering through the Tampa Bay History Center. Located near downtown Tampa, overlooking the Ybor Channel, this museum has the daunting task of covering 10,000 years of human occupation.

While I would have preferred more information (I always do), the various interactive, multimedia exhibits were well-done and quite engaging: I fought the encroaching white men under Seminole chief Coacoochee, briefly joined the ill-fated crew of a pirate ship, and rolled cigars with Tampeños who brought their tobacco skills with them from Cuba.

As you might imagine, I worked up quite an appetite so I left the museum and hopped aboard the nearby heritage streetcar. My destination? The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (the family actually operates a cafe at the museum, and the scents wafting from it were tempting, but I wanted to explore the original, historic location).

Even though the restaurant occupies a full city block and can seat 1,700 people, there was an hour wait for a table when I arrived on a weekday. Lucky for me, there was one open stool at the bar. I slid into a spot between two regulars who were happy to give me recommendations on the large menu. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and the famous 1905 salad and I was not disappointed.

Between the character of the sprawling building and the delicious food I can easily understand why it is the oldest, continuously operated restaurant in the state. Definitely an informative (and filling) way to spend a scorcher!

Wondering what to do on a record-breaking* hot day? Westley suggests reading a good book!

I’ll have to rely on his review of this particular book since he hasn’t allowed me to read it yet…

*Today, nearby Tampa hit 100°F for the first time ever. ☀️

I guess I misunderstood when my neighbors said they leave nuts out for the squirrels. 🥜

Makes me wonder just what in the world those squirrels are building…

There was a slight dip in temperature this evening so I headed out to Treasure Island for sunset. Not only was the sky lovely but pelicans were feeding, a dolphin cruised by, and even a manatee made an appearance. What a wonderful way to end the day!