I can't think of a better place to start a Florida pictorial essay than on a sandy beach. More than popular tourist attractions, Florida beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. On a gusty winter afternoon, I caught this seagull sun bathing on Redington Shores. This majestic bird followed me around until he concluded I had nothing for him to eat. Then he simply spread out his wings and allowed the Gulf wind to lift him up effortlessly as he disappeared behind palm trees.