HERE’S TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A HAPPY NEW DECADE!
In spending the afternoon reflecting on the past year’s wildlife stories and photos, I have been thinking about what an extraordinary place is Cape Ann. How fortunate we all are to see amazing and beautiful wildlife stories unfolding in our own backyards each and every day! I am planning a Cape Ann Wildlife 2019 Year in Pictures and hope to find the time to post that this week.
News this year of an increase in Monarchs at the butterfly’s overwintering sites in Mexico, as well as strong numbers during the summer breeding season and fall migration, gives me great hope for the future of this beautiful species, and for all wildlife that we take underwing.
Monarchs flying into Gloucester butterfly trees, forming an overnight roost.
Our community has taken under its wings a pair of Piping Plovers. The two began calling Good Harbor Beach home in 2016. Because the community came together and worked as a team, this year we were able to fledge three tiny, adorable marshmallow-sized fluff balls at Gloucester’s most well-loved and populous beach. Thank you Piping Plover friends and Community for all that you did to help these most vulnerable of shorebirds successfully reach flying age.
Another definition of “underwing” – three nearly full grown PiPl chicks, all determined to nestle for warmth under Papa
Good Morning Gloucester 
Happy New Year to you and your family, Kim! I always enjoy your gorgeous, detailed photos and well written posts. Each is an education about our little slice of paradise here on Cape Ann—and beyond! Thank you.
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Thank you Mary for the lovely note, so very much appreciated. There is endless inspiration to be found in the people of our community, along with the wild creatures and natural beauty found here.
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Thank you for all you bring us with your camera eye and knowledge!
Happy New Year!
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Thank you Judy for your New Year wishes and for your kind comments throughout the year 🙂
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