Author: Kimsmithdesigns

Documentary filmmaker, photographer, landscape designer, author, and illustrator. "Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly" currently airing on PBS. Current film projects include Piping Plovers, Gloucester's Feast of St. Joseph, and Saint Peter's Fiesta. Visit my websites for more information about film and design projects at kimsmithdesigns.com, monarchbutterflyfilm.com, and pipingploverproject.org. Author/illustrator "Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes from a Gloucester Garden."

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY AND EASTERN POINT LIGHTHOUSE

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OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Eastern Point Lighthouse Gloucester MA copyright Kim SmithThese photos were taken as the sun was setting, fromĀ Stage Fort Park, on my way home fromĀ Manchester last night. How beautifulĀ to catch a glimpse of thisĀ grand ship anchored in ourĀ harborĀ andĀ adjacent to the Eastern Point Lighthouse. Folks enjoying dinner at the park were referring to it as the “pirate ship.” HereĀ in Gloucester HarborĀ for one night only, Rhode Island’sĀ tall ship the Oliver Hazard Perry will be returning in September.Ā 

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Eastern Point Lighthouse Gloucester MA -1 copyright Kim SmithGloucester Harbor home copyright Kim SmithAlso from Stage Fort Park ~ windows onto the harbor

THANK YOU LAUREN FROM MANCHESTER!

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Cecropia Moth caterpillar copyright Kim SmithCecropia Moth Caterpillar

So many thanks to my new friend Lauren, who generously shared cuttings from her American Birch Tree growingĀ in her fantastic habitat garden. Her garden paradise is a pollinator’s dream, filled with gorgeous flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs, native wildflowers, and non-invasive well-behaved ornamental plants. While we were chatting, a Monarch flew on the scene, pausing to nectar at her butterfly bush! Mothra and her siblings thank Lauren, too.

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SUNLIGHT THROUGH GULL’S WINGS

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Catch sight if you canĀ ofĀ the gracefulĀ Bonaparte’s Gulls, migrating along the Atlantic Flyway and through our region. A few will spend the winter here but mostĀ are taking pause to rest and refuel at the least disturbedĀ of our beautifulĀ shores.
Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia Cape Ann copyright Kim Smith

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TALL SHIP OLIVER HAZARD PERRY RETURNS TO GLOUCESTER HARBOR!

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The Oliver Hazard Perry, Rhode Island’s officialĀ tall ship, and on her maiden voyage, returns to Gloucester.Ā 

Oliver Hazard Perry RI Tall ship Gloucester harbor copyright Kim Smith

MOTHRA!

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Cecropia Moth caterpillar copyright Kim SmithNoticeably growing larger day byĀ day, the biggestĀ caterpillar of our batch of Cecropia Moth caterpillars (nicknamed Mothra) still has a ways to go before he/sheĀ pupates and becomes aĀ cocoon for the winter.

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The colorful protuberances with black spikes are thought to mimic either a poisonous plant or animal and are a defense against predators. Like most caterpillars, the Cecropia moth caterpillar has five pairs of prolegs. The green prolegsĀ are blue at the base with a row of microscopic hooks, or crochets,Ā that enable walking and clinging.

Cecropia Moth caterpillar close up feet copyright Kim Smith

Although the Cecropia Moth has the largest wingspan of any moth found in North America, its caterpillar is not the largest caterpillar. That honor goes to the caterpillar of the Royal Walnut Moth, also called Regal Moth, which in its caterpillar stage is called the Hickory Horned Devil.

cecropia-moth-male-copyright-kim-smithAdult Male Cecropia Moth

Thank you again to friend Christine for the Cecropia Moth eggs. They are the offspring of the male Cecropia Moth that she is holding in the photo above.

HELP NEEDED PLEASE!

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Do any of our dear readers have a Paper Birch tree with some low hanging branchesĀ that I could cut? The branches need to be low enough for me to reachĀ with a pair of pruners. Don’t worry, it won’t harm the tree.Ā The foliage is neededĀ for ourĀ ginormous and still growing Cecropia Moth caterpillars. Please leave a comment in the comment section or feel free to email me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Birch tree Niles Pond moonlight copyright Kim Smith

Paper Birch in the moonlight Niles Pond

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MORE ABOUT GLOUCESTER’S SPLENDID OSPREYS ON THE ANNISQUAM!

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Male female Osprey copyright Kim SmithThis morning I had the joy to meet Don and Eleanor. Don built the fantasticĀ Osprey platform that you see in the photos. Several years ago, Don noticed that an Osprey pair wereĀ trying to construct a nest onĀ a post by the train tracks; the post that houses the all important train signals. Understandably, railroad workers had to destroy the nest as it was interfering with train operations.Ā After watching theĀ Osprey pair attempt to build a nestĀ two years in a row, Don decided to build and install an Osprey platform in the marsh adjacentĀ to hisĀ home. With some advice from Greenbelt, Don installed the platform early this spring. Wonder of wonders, his plan worked! The young pair built a perfect nest and one egg hatched.Male female Osprey -3 copyright Kim Smith

If theĀ mated pairĀ survives the winter migration, upon their return, theyĀ willĀ repair and add toĀ their existing nest. And if the young fledgling also survives it too will most likelyĀ return to the region. Thanks to citizen scientists like Don and Eleanor and the Essex County Greenbelt’s amazing Osprey program, the north of Boston regionĀ is rapidlyĀ being repopulated with Opsrey. Don is already building a second platform with hopes of installing it in the spring of 2017.Male Female Osprey -4 copyright Kim Smith

Don reportsĀ that since the Osprey have been on the scene, they are no longer bothered by pesky crows. He witnessed a pair of crows trying to rob the Osprey nest of itsĀ egg. The Osprey swooped in,Ā snatched both crows, and beat them down intoĀ the marsh. The crows have yet to return!

Many thanks to Don and Eleanor for their warm hospitality and efforts to help the Osprey.Osprey and fledgling Annisquam Essex County -1 copyright Kim Smith

Osprey nesting platform built by Don

To take some trulyĀ terrificĀ closeups, aĀ longer zoom lens than my own 400mmĀ is required,Ā butĀ we can at least get a glimpse of the Osprey family with these photos.

Male Osprey copyright Kim Smith

BEAUTIFUL SKY BEAUTIFUL BIRDS

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Today’s beautiful sky, beautiful birdsĀ –Ā finding rhythms in stripes and dots

Good harbor beach sunrise August 12, 2016 copyright Kim SmithGood Harbor BeachĀ daybreak

Sandpipers copyright Kim SmithSemipalmated Sandpipers

ONLY THREE SHOWS REMAINING ~ DON’T MISS AVP’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!

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Friday, Saturday,Ā and SundayĀ –Ā click here to purchase yourĀ tickets to AVP’s Beauty and the Beast

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MORE PICS HERE

GLOUCESTER’S BABY OSPREY!

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So many thanks to GMG’s Paul Morrison for the excursion out to photograph the Osprey nest on the Annisquam. And thank you to Paul’s sister Kathy for the suggestion. We were there for only a short time when we began to see movement beneathĀ the adult perched on the nest’s edge. After a few moments, the nestling’s shape became visible, but only for seconds, before it settled back deeper into the nest.

Osprey and fledgling Annisquam Essex County copyright Kim Smith

Some interestingĀ facts about Ospreys:

TheirĀ population has rebounded following the ban on the pesticide DDT.

This hawk is easy to identify when flying over head as it has aĀ whiter belly thanĀ other raptors.

The male gathers the nesting materialĀ while the female builds the nest. Osprey return to the same nesting sight and nest, building and rebuildingĀ the nest up over a period of many generations. The man made nesting platforms that we see in Essex County are relatively new nests. Osprey nests that are built up over decadesĀ can reach 10 to 13 feet deep and 3-6 feet in diameter, large enough for an adult to sit in.

The osprey’s diet consists almost exclusively of fish, nearly 80 different species of fish are eaten by osprey. Sounds like a Gloucester sort of raptor!

Follow this link for more information about the Essex County Greenbelt’s exciting andĀ highly successful osprey program.

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Osprey nest made over multiple generations

osprOsprey are found on every continent except Antarctica

 

FOGGY MORNING ROCKY NECK

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Foggy morning in the neighborhood, looking towards Rocky Neck and the East Gloucester Marine RailwaysGloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck -2 copyright Kim Smith

Gloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck copyright Kim SmithGloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck -3 copyright Kim Smith

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How To Make A Movie On Your iPhone

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Cape Ann TV

Lunch & Learn Series:

How To Make A Movie On Your iPhone

 

Cape Ann TVā€™s Lunch & Learn Series continues on Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 at 12pm with ā€œHow To Make A Movie On You iPhoneā€ presented by Professional Video Producer, Ted Reed.

It used to cost thousands, if not millions of dollars to make a movie. But now the basic production tools are in the hands of millions of people. Your smart phone can capture better video than most top of the line professional cameras did only a few years ago; all you need are a few tips and a few (if any) accessories to produce a festival-ready film. Join independent producer Ted Reed for a Cape Ann TV Lunch and Learn discussion that will show you what you need to know and what works best to get high-quality video out of your iPhone. The principles are the same for almost any current smart phone; we’ll concentrate on what the iPhone can do and the free or cheap apps that will help you get your indie feature made.

Participants are encouraged to install the ProCam app* which we will do a quick tutorial on, but even the stock Camera app will do the trick.

 

Space is limited for this event; please RSVP to rtober@capeanntv.org to reserve your spot.

*Cape Ann TV in not affiliated nor endorses this application.Ā  Please do your own research and use your own discretion when downloading.

Geoffrey Bayliss at the Jane Deering Gallery

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unnamed-2unnamed-4READ MORE HERE Continue reading “Geoffrey Bayliss at the Jane Deering Gallery” →

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PHOTOS!

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DSCF8244A huge shout out to co-directors Terry Sands and Mary Curtis and the outstanding cast and crew of the Annisquam Village Players Beauty and the Beast for once again creating summer theatre magic. The cast is stellar and the production flawless. Three Cheers and a Standing Ovation for All!!! An extra special extra shout out to three friends, Will Rousmaniere, Peter Nelson, and Keith McCarthy who have been performing with AVP off and on forever and it was wonderful to see all three on stage together!

Hats off to the Annisquam Village Players amazing production team: Coā€“directors: Terry Sands and Mary Curtis, Musical Director: Marcia Groome, Choral Director: Kristina Martin, Choreographer: Deej Viau, Production Manager: Seania McCarthy, Stage Manager: Natalie Frontiero, Set Designer: Chicki Hollett, Costumes: Julia Kelliher, and Technical/Lighting: Rick Brooks and Dan Lampert. See the program for a complete list of cast and crew.

To purchase tickets, read more about the history of the Annisquam Village Players, and learn how you can support their productions, visit the AVP website here. Do not miss this show!

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BONNIE BONAPARTE’S GULLS IN THE HOOD!

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Bonaparte's Gulls Gloucester Massachusetts -2 copyright Kim SmithBonaparte’s Gulls

Recently, several Laughing Gulls were spotted allĀ around Cape Ann. Laughing Gulls are easy to confuse withĀ Bonaparte’s Gulls, which at this time of year, also have black heads. As the breeding season winds to an end, the Bonaparte’s black head feathers give way toĀ white, whereĀ only a smudge of an earmuff will remain. Bonaparte’s Gulls breed in the Arctic; we see them on both their northward and southward journeys and some make Massachusetts their winter home. Small flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls can be seen at area beaches including Good Harbor Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Wingaersheek Beach.

Bonaparte's Gulls Gloucester Massachusetts -5 copyright Kim Smith

While foraging, Bonaparte’s Gulls vigorously churn the sandy bottom with their feet to stir up tiny marine creatures.Ā Note the transitioning head feathers in the above gull.

TheyĀ are feeding intently, fortifying for the migration, and often get into disagreementsĀ over feeding turf.

Bonaparte's Gulls Gloucester massachusetts copyright Kim SmithBonaparte’s in a territory tussle

Bonaparte's Gulls Gloucester Massachusetts -4 copyright Kim SmithBonaparte’s Gulls are smaller than Laughing, Ring-billed, and Herring Gulls, about 11 to 15 inches in length

The easiest and quickest way to distinguishĀ Laughing Gull from Bonaparte’s Gull is to look at the legs and feet. Bonaparte’s Gulls are a vividĀ orange, more pink later in the season. The Laughing Gull’s legs and feet are blackish-reddish.

Laughing Gull Gloucester Massachusetts cooyright Kim SmithLaughing Gull, with darkĀ feet and legs.

Bonaparte's Gulls Gloucester Massachusetts -6 copyright Kim Smith

Bonaparte’s Gulls haveĀ bright orange legs and feet

bonapartes-gulls-gloucester-2-copyright kim-smith-2015Photograph from last September; Bonaparte’s with only a hint of black head feathers remaining.

THE MAGNIFICENT OLIVER HAZARD PERRY AT CAPE POND ICE!

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Oliver Hazard Perry ship Ten Pound Island copyright Kim Smith GloucesterOliver Hazard Perry Passing Ten PoundĀ Island on the way to Cape Pond Ice

Thanks to Scott Memhard for the heads up that the magnificent Oliver Hazard Perry was docking at Cape Pond Ice this morning. While the Ice House crew provided the ship with water, which takes several hours, the PerryĀ crew took a tour of Cape Pond Ice and then had an hour to tour around Gloucester. The OHP takes no passengers, everyone aboard is a working crew member or working student.

Although this is the Perry’s maiden voyage, the captain and crew did an excellent job docking the ship. She is anchored atĀ Rockport Harbor this evening.Ā The Oliver Hazard Perry will be returning to Gloucester in September for a longer stay and at that time, the public will be able to tour the ship. See my post from yesterday withĀ photos of the Oliver Hazard Perry sailing into GloucesterĀ andĀ a link to track the Perry.

Oliver Hazard Perry ship Gloucester City Hall -1 copyright Kim Smith

Gloucester City Hall Through the OHP Rigging

Oliver Hazard Perry ship Captain David Dawes Seaman Jake Daly Kim SmithOliver Hazard Perry Captain David Dawes and Able Seaman Jake Daly

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Oliver Hazard Perry ship -- copyright Kim Smith

THE BEAUTIFUL OLIVER HAZARD PERRY COMES TO GLOUCESTER!

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Wanna guess where the Oliver Hazard Perry is Right Now? You don’t have to – click the link and you’ll see she’s here!

(Thank you Joey for adding this link!)

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Wow and double wow! What a treat to see this splendid ship up close!!!

Oliver Hazard Perry ship -1 copyright Kim Smith

Many thanks to Paul Morrison and his sister Kathy. Paul called a few days ago with the very generous offer to show me the osprey nest on the Annisquam, spotted by Kathy, about half a mile from the Marina, and best seen by boat. On the way to see the nest, we spiedĀ the Oliver Hazard Perry just beginning to make its way into Gloucester Harbor. Paul, again very generously, suggested we detour out to see the arriving tall ship. And it is a beauty! The Oliver Hazard Perry will be in Gloucester Harbor for one night only however, look for its return in September, when it will remain in GloucesterĀ a few days. I believe, at that time, folks will be able to tour the boat!

Oliver Hazard Perry ship -5 copyright Kim Smith

The Oliver Hazard Perry is the largest civilian sailing vessel in the United States and the first of its kind to be built in over 100 years. Its mission statement is to, “provide innovative and empowering education-at-sea programs to promote personal and professional growth.”

Read lots more about theĀ Oliver Hazard Perry onĀ the ship’s website here.

Oliver Hazard Perry ship -8 copyright Kim Smith

About the ship, fromĀ the ships’s website: The hull for this new ship was initially begun in Canada and continued at various shipyards in Rhode Island since 2008. These included; Promet in Providence, Senesco in North Kingston,Newport Shipyard and she is now being commissioned in Portsmouth at the Hinckley Marina. Once complete she will move to Newport to theĀ new dock at Fort Adams.

The Check out the construction of our vessel through our blog or through Narragansett Bay Shipping.

We are grateful for the support of a number ofĀ marine trade partners who have been an instrumental part of this magnificent project.

The ship is named for Newport’s War of 1812 naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. SSVOliver Hazard Perry is owned and operated by the non-profit Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, and represents Rhode Island and our rich nautical heritage wherever she goes. Her home port will beĀ Newport and she will sail the world as an ambassador of our proud state.

The success of SSV Oliver Hazard Perry relies on the generosity of donors and supporters, both large and small, from individuals and businesses toĀ corporations, so please consider making a generous gift or donation today.

Objectives

  • Build and maintain Rhode Island’s own tall ship that is the largest, privately owned active Tall Ship in the US.
  • Offer sail training programs for all ages.
  • Develop and teach sea-oriented educational programs for secondary and college level students.
  • Provide pre-professional training for individuals wishing to make their careers at sea.
  • Work with Rhode Island marine trades to establish training programs and to create job opportunities.
  • Represent Rhode Island in American and foreign ports.
  • Display and interpret the ship’s history for the education and enjoyment of the general public.

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