Latest news with #pelicans
Times
6 days ago
- Times
This stately stay is in a prime position on a striking stretch of Caribbean coast
There's nothing quite like the eye-popping colour of the sea at Cancun. With each passing hour as the sun rises in the sky, it morphs from slate blue to indigo and by 2pm it's a sapphire image of bliss. And, although you're on the Cancun hotel strip — six miles of sugar-soft white sand and beach resorts — there's a sense that it's just you and the Kempinski . . . and the pelicans that glide by your balcony each morning. The Kempinski achieves this with a layout where all 363 rooms and suites overlook the breathtaking ocean blue. Once the Ritz-Carlton, and the first luxury property to open on the beach 32 years ago, it still exudes a grande dame feel and olde worlde charm with its chandeliers, marble flooring, framed oil portraits, fragrant flower arrangements and Hermès carpets twirling down grand staircases. But now it benefits from the Swiss brand's hallmark top-notch service and 'Lady in Red' concierge. This all sounds like it could be stuffy, but it very much isn't. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Score 8/10Rooms have had a light makeover since Kempinski took the reins in 2022. They soothe in a palette of chalk white and latte, softened with silk lampshades and carpets with a ripple pattern in pale biscuit and dove grey. Attractive papyrus art is framed on the wall. A life-sized red stiletto made from chocolate and delivered to your room is extraordinary. Bathrooms, clad in marble, are not particularly spacious but come with tubs and showers. Score 9/10Breakfast in El Café Mexicano is a highlight. A smorgasbord of fresh juices and freshly made quesadillas means it's easy to write off lunch. Try the sauce station, where the salsa borracha (drunk sauce) of tomato, Mexican Negra Modelo beer and chilli is a winner. There's even a Mexican coffee station with a host of flavours and plenty of Mexican hot chocolate to go around, too. Breakfast staff are delightful. Fantino is an AAA Five Diamond Mediterranean restaurant with a Moroccan chef. It's the full silver service in an 18th-century grand European dining room accompanied by live music each night. Think an amuse-bouche of hot broccoli soup, a delicious fish fillet wrapped in grape leaves, and a beautifully presented chocolate cake for dessert. The Yucatec ceviche lunch at the alfresco Caribe Bar & Grill overlooking the beach is worth leaving your sun lounger for. While the Club Lounge of the hotel offers supreme comfort and relaxed dining, the hotel's main restaurants offer much more choice. The hotel is B&B but does have an all-inclusive plan. • More great hotels in Cancun• Best all-inclusive hotels in Cancun Score 9/10The Kayanta Spa is exceptional with its highly personalised service, vapour room, hot tub, cold pit, aromatic showers and exfoliating massages. The Kempinski also has an excellent deep stretch of beach with loungers and shaded day beds set up on the sand and faultless beach service. There are two outdoor pools to dip into; the main pool is heated. Score 10/10You're in the middle of the fly-and-flop hotel zone, a few minutes' drive from the Maya de Cancun Museum and seven minutes' drive to the port for the 30-minute ferry ride to Isla de Mujeres. It's an hour to the port for ferries to island dive destination Cozumel. Cancun is the gateway, too, to the Maya ruins of the Yucatan peninsula. Price B&B doubles from £272Restaurant mains from £16Family-friendly YAccessible Y Claire Boobbyer was a guest of Kempinski Hotel Cancun ( • Best hotels with swim-up rooms in Mexico• Best family hotels in Mexico
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Poisoned pelicans fly again after the worst algal bloom in a decade
A flock of brown pelicans waddled back into the wild on Wednesday morning, survivors of Southern California's latest toxic algal bloom. This year's bloom was the deadliest such event since 2015, when thousands of animals were killed along a coastal swath stretching from Central California to Alaska. This year's intense bloom, which started in January, poisoned the 13 pelicans and many other sea animals in the region, including sea lions that sometimes threatened beachgoers. The pelicans that took off Wednesday had made a full recovery at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach. The release was held just south of the pier, with community members invited to watch. "This is always a special moment — not just for our team and volunteers who worked tirelessly to save these birds, but for the community as well," said Debbie McGuire, executive director of the wildlife nonprofit. "Watching them take flight is a powerful reminder of why our work matters." Huntington Beach junior lifeguards volunteered at the event, according to a news release from the center, unzipping the cages on the beach to allow the birds to waddle out to shore. The event was mostly successful, according to Jaratt Dazey, the volunteer coordinator for the wildlife group. After the birds were released, most of them took flight — but two remained on the sand. The pair were taken back to the center's veterinary facilities for more treatment, Dazey said. "Overall, though, the release went well," he said. "They came out of the cages, they sat on the sand for a few minutes, and they all took off and flew together." The 13 pelicans had been poisoned by domoic acid, a toxin that occurs in algal blooms, which fish can consume. Marine animals can then become poisoned if they eat the contaminated fish, causing abnormal behaviors and seizures, Dazey said. This is the fourth year that a dangerous algal bloom has occurred in Southern California, but this year's was especially threatening, as the Los Angeles Times previously reported. A number of sickened sea lions were reported, with one surfer encountering one that he called "feral, almost demonic." The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro reported at the end of May a possible end to "the longest, most toxic, and deadliest bloom we've ever experienced." The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center rescued nearly 200 seabirds in total, which Dazey said was an abnormally large number. Levels of toxic algae along the coast of Southern California had begun to decline by early June. The toxic algae blooms can be caused by water and wind patterns as well as an overproduction of nutrients in the water, which can "overfeed" algae colonies and lead them to grow out of control, according to the National Ocean Service. The effects of climate change can also make algal blooms more frequent and more severe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Warmer water temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels make the perfect habitat for algae breeding. Varying rainfall patterns and coastal upwelling both lead to more nutrient-dense waters, which only encourages algae growth. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
MYSTERY: Over a dozen pelican corpses found on Mobile street, police respond
UPDATE (6:45 p.m.) — Mobile Police tell News 5, a spokesperson with city animal control says a lightning strike caused the birds to fall from nearby trees. The exact timeline for cleanup is unclear. We're told the birds could be picked up as early as Saturday, but no later than Monday. We will continue to update this story as we learn more. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Mobile police have responded to reports of more than a dozen pelican corpses found by residents in one Mobile neighborhood. Hooters Girls from Mobile, Alabama and Northwest Florida deliver school supplies to Bimini The birds were seen on the street and on homes on West Stuart Drive off Navco Road Saturday. News 5 was on scene. Around 4:30 p.m., the bird corpses were still lying around. Right now, many residents theorize that a lightning strike may have caused the pelicans to fall from the sky. One woman told News 5 she heard two loud booms during a thunderstorm and saw birds on the ground after it passed. 'Ain't no way, we looked outside, 16 birds just in our yard,' resident Destiny Williams said. 'Nowhere else, just in the yard. This ain't no coincidence. 'This is the end of the world for real.' We have reached out to the MPD and several environmental wildlife agencies to figure out the bird's exact cause of death. Mobile mom gives birth in hospital parking lot We have not yet heard back. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- The Sun
I visited the Jurassic Park-like lagoon right by one of the most beautiful beaches – here's how to get there
AS I kayak on Florida's Indian River Lagoon, I'm lost for words. With its ancient mangrove forests and prehistoric-looking pelicans dive-bombing the water, this wouldn't be out of place in Jurassic Park. 8 8 8 But then comes the real excitement, as 20-plus dolphins start splashing around just metres away. And they're having plenty of fun as they jump out of the water and even swim right under me. This body of water is 156 miles long and the most ecologically diverse estuary in North America. I'm taking a paddle on an uncharacteristically overcast morning, but it's usually baking hot and packed with even more wildlife, including manatees and all manner of birds. I'm staying in the city of New Smyrna Beach, on Florida's east coast, which offers something entirely different from what might spring to mind when you first think of the Sunshine State. It's only about an hour's drive from the theme parks Florida is known for, but presents an entirely different experience. I'd rented my kayak from the Marine Discovery Center, which offers daily guided tours. But out of the water, there's plenty more to see in this vibrant beach city, which is popular with surfers and about as laid-back as it gets. The main boulevard, Flagler Avenue, is peppered with independent shops, bars and restaurants and feels like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie. I grabbed a spot on the veranda of the Flagler Tavern, where I sipped on a deliciously tall cocktail and explored the menu packed with American seafood specials. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport It was then just a short stroll back to my hotel, Marriott's SpringHill Suites. Rooms here are huge and feature walk-in wardrobes, but the real selling point is the fabulous view you get over the Atlantic Ocean and New Smyrna's amazing beach. Next morning, I was up early to get the sand between my toes. Om Sunshine Yoga runs community classes on weekend mornings, with all the gear provided. They even offer paddleboard yoga, although I soon found out my balance is bad enough on dry land — let alone the water. Gopher tortoises Even before attempting to get into a downward dog, the beach took my breath away — its fine white sand is set against expansive blue skies which have to be seen to be believed. In fact, because the sand is so compact, you can even drive on it — so that's how I decided to explore the coastline. Pedego Electric Bikes offers guided tours to see the three miles of coast at speed. I took in the sights, sounds and sunshine, while feeling the sea breeze in my hair, as I cycled north to the Smyrna Dunes Park. Here you can see the striking Ponce de Leon lighthouse — the tallest in the state at 175ft — as well as explore the park with its boardwalks and wildlife. Try to go at sundown for the best chance to spot gopher tortoises. 8 8 8 If you're looking for something more upmarket for dinner, then Riverpark Terrace is a great spot, with a tropical garden and fancy menu. In fact, it is known as the area's most romantic restaurant. And love was in the air as I travelled across town and checked into luxury guesthouse Victoria 1883 to continue my stay in New Smyrna Beach — it doubles as a sought-after wedding venue and overlooks the Indian River. It is also the oldest property in the area and steeped in history but was renovated and opened as a boutique B&B in 2022, with a gorgeous lounge, garden and speakeasy-style bar. While the urge to relax here was strong, I took a ten-minute stroll to the creative district of Canal Street, where shops sell art, bric-a-brac and homeware, and there is brilliant vinyl at Spinning Records. At newly refurbished restaurant General Public, I filled up on hearty Southern cuisine then headed to the Sugar Works Distillery for a drink. This independent bar and distillery has some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted. They are created using the distillery's spirits, which are largely made from produce within a ten-mile radius. New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful escape from the bustle of Orlando, so a great way to vary your time during a Florida getaway. I flew Aer Lingus from Heathrow via Dublin, which gives a sneaky benefit when travelling to the States — you go through pre-clearance US passport control at Dublin airport, meaning you don't have to bother with the faff of security when you touch down on the other side after the long-haul flight. But it turned out that wouldn't be the only memorable flight on my holiday, as New Smyrna Beach is just 60 miles from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, where rockets are launched into space once or twice every week. So one of the most unforgettable moments came when, just past midnight, I stood on the beach and watched as a Space X rocket rose through the sky and blasted off into the solar system. Just like that, this holiday was out of this world. 8
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Stomach-churning' reason behind popular Aussie tourist show
Tourists crowding along the water's edge last Sunday were completely oblivious to the 'stomach-churning' reason behind the popular show they were watching. Despite the heavy rain, dozens gathered under umbrellas to take photos of the flock of around 60 pelicans waddling onto the shore. The giant, rowdy waterbirds are attracted to the weekly event at The Entrance, on the NSW Central Coast, because of the promise of fresh fish. And while the purpose of the show used to be entertainment, today it continues so volunteers can assess the feathered participants for injuries. Cathy Gilmore from Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast was leading the show last weekend, when tourists witnessed an all too common occurrence, with several of the birds clearly snagged with fish hooks. "We don't take a lot of fish down. It's not about feeding the birds, it's about educating the public and checking for injured birds," she told Yahoo News. On May 11, Cathy was searching for an old bird named Kevin, who had previously lost a foot after gangrene set in from infection caused by a hook. "We immediately saw he had bloody fishing line and a hook in his good foot," she said. While they were unable to catch Kevin, the team spotted another bird with a hook caught in his body. Incredibly, Cathy and the volunteers were able to catch him as the crowd watched on. "Every time we see one with a hook our stomach drops," Cathy said. "It's like we've got a radar on, and they appear as red flashing lights. Most people can't see the hooks, but those who have been rescuing for years can spot them. And you can just tell there's something not quite right about the bird," she said. Sadly, the pelican they caught had several hooks in his body, including one in his gut. And after several medical assessments it was discovered he had severe health complications, and euthanasia was the only option. "Photos don't show how bad his situation was," Cathy said. "He really had much more wrong with him than we originally realised." 😳 Deadly find on roadside in iconic Aussie suburb sparks wild theory 📸 Disturbing photos emerge of famous orcas linked to 'dangerous myth' 🥫 Jetstar passenger request raises questions about popular menu items During the shows, the volunteers make a habit of catching the birds as the tourists watch on to drive home the key message about helping wild pelicans. "What better way to educate people than to show them why we do what we do. If they're day trippers up here to fish, we can explain to them what to do if they accidentally hook a bird," Cathy said. "We don't need them to try and catch the bird. They can lure them in, get the beak under control and get their fishing gear back. They're big, but they're not that scary." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
