➤

It was a beautiful morning when I headed toward Stump Pass by boat. The Gulf was calm, and the incoming tide was bringing better visibility through the Pass.

Conditions looked ideal for seeing the coastline from the air, so I launched my drone and began the morning exploration.

I began with a normal scenic view, recording Ski Alley, Knight Island, Stump Pass and Stump Pass Beach State Park.

From the air, the beach, channels, shallow flats and Gulf coastline form one large coastal landscape that looks very different from boat level.

At first, I was simply recording the scenery. Once I reached the shallows, I decided to change perspective and look directly beneath me.

I turned the camera vertically downward and began scanning the bottom. With the incoming tide and good visibility, I hoped to spot fish moving through the area.

That downward perspective revealed details that are easy to miss from a boat — bottom contours, movement beneath the surface, and objects resting on the sand.

I did not find the fish I expected, but something unusual appeared below.

While scanning near the shoreline, I accidentally spotted a white Minn Kota trolling motor resting underwater.

It was roughly 100 feet from shore in a shallow area. I was not searching for equipment and had no idea it was there. I simply noticed it while examining the bottom.

That unexpected find was already enough to make the flight memorable, but the best wildlife encounter was still ahead.

Then I spotted a manatee swimming along the shallows beside Stump Pass Beach State Park.

I followed its movement for about two to three minutes as it traveled toward the Pass. The visibility allowed me to watch the animal clearly as it moved over the lighter bottom.

Once it reached Stump Pass, the manatee entered the deeper channel and gradually disappeared beneath the surface.

A little later, I saw manatees surface for air before disappearing again. From what I could see, there appeared to be two or possibly three animals moving through the deeper area.

Another surprise appeared when I noticed a stingray moving across the sandy bottom.

From directly overhead, its shape and movement were easy to recognize. It glided quietly through the shallows before moving out of view.

Encounters like this show how much activity can remain almost invisible from boat level.

Continuing along Stump Pass Beach State Park brought another change in the scene.

Many coastal birds were gathered along the beach and shoreline. Some remained on the sand while others moved across the State Park as I continued the flight.

From the air, I could see the birdlife, open beach and surrounding coastal habitat together in one wide view.

I began the flight hoping to find fish. Instead, the morning turned into a series of discoveries I had not planned.

I found a Minn Kota resting underwater, followed a manatee toward the deeper Pass, spotted a stingray and watched coastal birds along the beach.

That is one of the reasons I enjoy exploring Southwest Florida. I may start with one idea, but the most interesting part of the journey is often what I never expected to find.