Woodstork Pond Cottage

06/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CBvNuVoxc/

29/08/2026

Cheerio, my feathered freeloaders! 👋🦆🪶😂

This was me a week or so ago, serving one final complimentary breakfast at Woodstork Pond before I hit the road for Texas.

I explained very clearly that I was leaving. They appeared completely unmoved by the news and considerably more concerned about whether breakfast service would continue in my absence.

No rent. No tips. Not even a decent TripAdvisor review. Yet somehow, I’m the one who misses THEM. 😂💕

Until next time, my gorgeous little Woodstork Pond welcoming committee. Please try not to eat all my new groundcover while I am gone! 🌴🦩

Tap to view!

06/08/2026

Poor Bradley turned up at the front door today looking as though he'd flown straight through a car wash! We've had glorious torrential rain, and while the garden and our poor thirsty pond are positively cheering, it did nothing for poor Bradley's dignity, he is a thoroughly soggy gentleman. A couple of well-earned snacks later, he gave me a look that said, "Cheers... same time tomorrow?" and waddled off to continue his very important neighbourhood rounds......presumably in search of a hairdryer.

06/08/2026

This morning's visitor while I enjoy my morning tea is a lone black-bellied whistling duck. He looks like he may be rather late for an appointment strutting between the lily pads with a cocky swagger. 🫖🦆

What a beautiful birds the whistling ducks are, I love the bright orange beak, elegant white stripe beneath folded wings, and smart black belly. Instead of the usual quack, whistling ducks let out a cheerful, high-pitched whistle that drifts across the pond like a friendly good morning. We have a whole family of them here, we love to watch them.

At Woodstork Pond, even breakfast comes with its own soundtrack. 💚

05/08/2026

Lord Drenchington was standing proudly by the pond this morning, and I completely blanked on his name....RUDE! The moment I finally remembered, "Lord Drenchington!", he immediately fluffed up his magnificent wings, stretched his neck, and struck a pose worthy of bird royalty. Clearly, he was thinking, "At last. The staff have remembered who I am." 👑🪽

Meanwhile, Emily was in the distance, perched at the side of the pond by my Happy Chair, quietly supervising the fishing operation like the estate manager, making sure everyone was earning their lunch. 🐦

P.S. For those new to the feathered residents of Woodstork Pond, Lord Drenchington is an Anhinga, often called the "snake bird" because of his wonderfully long neck. After diving for fish and being completely drenched, he spreads his wings to dry in the sunshine, creating one of the most spectacular sights around the pond. Emily is our graceful Great White Egret, who patrols the shoreline with endless patience, always hoping her next meal will swim by.

28/07/2026

This morning at the Airbeak & Breakfast... 🕊️😂

Poor Harold Dovefeather thought he had the buffet all to himself. There he was, happily stuffing his face, convinced nobody was watching his greediness.

Then Lady Sunshine Dovefeather arrived...

He froze mid-peck.

"Me? Eating? Don't be ridiculous. I was simply... inspecting the sunflower seeds for quality control."

She gave him THAT look. You know the one.

It's rather like having a husband who's been told to watch his waistline, only to catch him raiding the biscuit tin when he thinks nobody's looking!

26/07/2026

Ohhhh, this is what I am!
I'm an Opacarphile.......so I picked Englewood, Florida with it's exquisite sunsets over Lemon Bay and on Manasota Key.

26/07/2026

Good Morning from Woodstork Pond Cottage! 🐾

We are completely pet-friendly here, and firmly believe every vacation is better with a wagging tail. Need dog food or treats while you're here? No problem... Chewy delivers right to the door.

In fact, Gracie's parcel arrived over half an hour ago and she's been perched on top of the box ever since. It would seem she is standing in protest until I open it, "Mummy... DO move at a glacial speed"

Right then... I'd better get this box open before Gracie claims "anxiety" and reports me to the Society for the Prevention of Delayed Dog Treats! 🐾📦

08/07/2026

07/07/2026

Real life imitating art! ❤️

Occasionally, if I fail to spot Bradley waiting at the back door of the Pondview Terrace, he huffs all the way round to the front door to let me know, in no uncertain terms, that breakfast is overdue.

He's not remotely shy about expressing his disappointment. I'm beginning to think I don't actually own Woodstork Pond Cottage... I'm merely the catering manager. 🐦😂