Last Tuesday was a photographer’s magical dream morning. After photographing and filming December’s “Long Night’s Moon” descending over the Gloucester city skyline, I turned toward the east to see a peaceful daybreak scene over Rocky Neck. Perhaps the sun hadn’t fully risen I thought and hurried to Brace Cove. The sun had rose behind Brace Rock with just enough clouds that it was still pretty, not blasted out by too much light.
I then walked along the edge of Niles Pond, meeting up with Mr. Swan who was occupied with his morning swim, which often indicates he is readying to take flight. He did, and with movie camera in hand, he circled the Pond before landing at Brace Cove, near the breakwater.
Eerily, the coyotes were howling in the distance, actually howling, like wolves, and for quite a long while. I often hear their meet-and-greet yipping and socializing barks that they make shortly after sunset, and too the terrible sound they make when killing a creature, but I have never heard them howling in the morning. I wonder if it had something to do with the full moon? Do our readers hear coyotes howling regularly?
Tufted Titmouse
Further along the Pond walk there was a large flock of American Robins and they, along with a lively group of Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and Cardinals were hungrily eating every berry in sight, so much so that when I returned to the same spot a few days later, there wasn’t a berry or fruit to be seen. A magical morning at a magical place we’re fortunate to call home.
December Long Night’s Moon
Good Morning Gloucester 
I live in Danvers and often hear a nearby pack of coyotes echoing the sound of sirens of police cars and ambulances in addition to their usual sunset chatter. I live along the Crane River upstream from Sam and Joe’s Restaurant and there is a fair amount of activity between sightings and their scat. I believe they follow the shore line looking for rabbits and injured birds. I have a yellow lab and always wear a Petzel headlamp when walking her at night – their eyes shine green from the outskirts! They are natural born predators and you have to be very wary when they’re around. I love your posts!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for writing Bruce and for your kind commentv re my posts. I see them ( and their scat) all along our shoreline too, for the same reasons. So interesting that you see the coyote’s eyes shining with your headlamp. I am going to google Petzel, sounds like an excellent idea!
LikeLike
I live in East Gloucester where there are at least 3 packs. They regularly howl whenever a police or fire siren goes off downtown and also howl calling from one pack to another.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for writing Cynthia, I hear the pack on Eastern Point regularly because I’m out there filming, and East Gloucester from Plum Street at night. This was a bit startling because it sounded more like a wolf howl and because it was light out.
LikeLike
High pitched sirens hurt the ears big time! When they get to use to humans then you have concerns. I have never had any problems with coyotes but wild pack dogs yes a few times out west! Dave
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photographs brighten up my cold winter morning, Kim. Thanks so much.
LikeLike