Shackleford Banks Naturalist

06/13/2026

They're hot too, folks!
Let them be under the trees
and if they are walking by, let them pass.
Most of the horses on the island have to travel a good way to reach watering holes, seeps, springs and dug holes.
Don't be the person who makes them miss their turn at the site!

© Annie Po Photo - Cindy Kaye Smith

06/13/2026

Nature, an amazing study!

Gregory Lewbart, a veterinarian and professor with CMAST and N.C. State, said researchers are still confirming whether the broken bill in the marlin’s head belonged to a sailfish, though he believes it did.
"We know it came from a different fish (from the one found in the stomach), because the sailfish found in the marlin’s stomach still had its bill," Lewbart said. "I’ve never seen anything like it since I’ve been a veterinarian."
Lewbart said the area surrounding the lodged bill was healing, showcasing the remarkable recovery abilities of marine life.
Read the story here:
https://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_afcff0af-1729-47e2-8622-0185ed5bcb43.html

06/13/2026

Love them. Love this!

Armed with a cooler of fresh shrimp, a Beaufort couple began their campaign to bridge the gap between fisherman and consumers.

06/12/2026

Good Morning.
May you ease out of your shell gently this morning to greet your day!
This is what I refer to as the second occupation.
- whelk snail has vacated its home.
- large hermit crab moved in.

© Annie Po Photo - Cindy Kaye Smith

06/12/2026

Is it tissue paper? No!
Cotton Candy? No!
Someone's trash? No!
It's a Pink Meanie!!!!!
This jellyfish received a new classification of Drymonema dalmatinum, aka Cauliflower Jelly and Dalmation Mane Jelly.

Not something we come across every day, I came upon this guy near Wade Shore on Shackleford.
This jellyfish grows up to 30 inches and can weigh 50 to 70 pounds!
The "tissue" part you see are the arms. They make up ~50% of the body weight.
They will sting, but it is not a very hard, poisonous or painful sting.
They feed on other jellies with moon jellies being their favorite. They were first observed in the Gulf in 2000, and announced as a new species in 2011. I saw this one in 2023.
If ever you see numerous moon jellies, look for the Pink Meanies, they'll be dining in Heaven dining on them!

Bon Appetite!
Just kidding. They ARE NOT edible!
But, Pink Meanie would be a great name for a sports team!!!

© Annie Po Photo - Cindy Kaye Smith

06/11/2026

These ladies had so much fun with me yesterday that they are returning today!
Horses ✔️
Ocean✔️
Shells

06/11/2026

Not exactly ON the island, but rather on the way to!
I have watched this osprey family flourish for three years now.
I'm tickled to see we have three babes in this brood.
Dad's dropping in with the fresh catch, while Mom approves and chicks wait.

© Annie Po Photo - Cindy Kaye Smith

06/11/2026

https://www.wildlifenomads.com/blog/marlin-fish-facts/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSXeNJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhN3N4dG1ET3llYjdxRXZkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlOA1WPu3sONAXiibHmG1sZCjtDqW2cYC2E_3b-x3wElgkkhV_zZ19rdW01e_aem_zdS_taU2sCTfe_55xXH6_g

From 4 species to colour-changing skin, discover 12 wild marlin fish facts backed by science. These billfish are more extraordinary than you think.