Join us for a very special Sunset Cruise this Valentine's Day as we celebrate falling in love.           And to make it that much more romantic we will be playing some of the best love songs ever created. 

          Soft light, romantic music,  beautiful sunset viewed from the balmy waters of Tampa Bay as the sun slides silently beyond the horizon. What a sensuous way to begin romancing the night away with your special someone nestled sweetly in your arms .

          The "Snow Moon" is another traditional name given to a full moon, specifically the full moon that occurs in the month of February. Like the Wolf Moon, the name Snow Moon is part of the Native American, Colonial American, and other traditional North American naming conventions for full moons.

          The Snow Moon is named after the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February in many parts of North America. This name reflects the seasonal patterns of the Northern Hemisphere, where winter is often at its peak in February, and snow is a common feature.

          Different cultures and regions may have variations in the names assigned to full moons, but the Snow Moon is a term that is commonly used to refer to the full moon in February. These traditional moon names are a way of connecting to the natural cycles of the Earth and its seasons, and they have been passed down through generations in various cultural traditions.

          Come and join us as we celebrate peace, love, and togetherness on our "Lovers Moon Cruises aboard the River Skipper II this month.  The full moon for February is the Snow Moon. The Wolf Moon peaks on January 25^th, and the dates for the cruises are the 23^d, 24^th, and 25^th. Our Lovers Moon cruises commensurate with our Sunset Cruises on those dates. Take advantage and use your 20% savings.

In a leap year, time takes a bound, 

An extra day, a cycle found. 

Twenty-eight to twenty-nine it grows, 

A gift of time, as the moonlight glows.

February gains a fleeting cheer, 

An extra sunrise to draw near. 

Leap into the bonus day, 

Where moments dance in a leap year's play.

A quadrennial twist in the cosmic flow, 

A leap year's rhythm, a tempo to show. 

An extra heartbeat, a day to aspire, 

In the leap year's dance, time takes a hire.

So, let's savor this temporal grace, 

A day more to embrace. 

In the leap year's brief encore, 

Time leaps forward, forevermore.

Leap year has given us an extra day this month. Why not take advantage and  let us serenade you aboard the River Skipper II?

          The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a fascinating bird with several interesting features and behaviors. Here are some interesting facts about the brown pelican.

          Brown pelicans are found in the Americas, along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and from the southern United States down to South America.

          They are easily identified by their long bill, large throat pouch, and distinctive brown coloring. Adult birds develop a dark brown or chestnut-colored nape during the breeding season. Males have white heads and sport a yellow crown during breeding season.

          One of the most distinctive features of brown pelicans is their large throat pouch. They use this pouch to catch fish by diving into the water, scooping up fish, and draining the water out before swallowing their prey.

          Unlike many other pelican species, the brown pelican is known for its spectacular plunge-diving technique. They dive from the air, tucking their wings back and plunging headfirst into the water to catch fish.

          Brown pelicans primarily feed on fish, favoring small schooling species. They often feed in groups and use cooperative hunting strategies to catch fish.

          Brown pelicans typically breed in large colonies on islands, coastal mangroves, or secluded coastal areas. They build their nests on the ground using sticks, leaves, and other materials.

          The brown pelican faced severe population declines in the mid-20th century due to the effects of the pesticide DDT. Brown pelican populations rebounded and were subsequently removed from the U.S. After DDT was banned and conservation efforts were implemented, Endangered Species List in 2009.

          Brown pelicans are known for their soaring flight. They often glide low over the water, using thermal currents to aid their travel. They are capable of covering long distances during migration.

Brown pelicans are social birds and often roost and fly in groups. They are also known for their communal feeding habits.

          Brown pelicans have an average lifespan of around 10 to 25 years in the wild. Threats to their longevity include human disturbances, pollution, and changes in fish availability.

          These are just a few interesting aspects of the brown pelican's biology and behavior. Observing these birds in their natural habitat can provide further insights into their captivating lives. We see brown pelicans daily here on the Manatee River. Come along  with us and we can see them together aboard the River Skipper II.