Author: Pat D

Thanks for riding along with me for 2021, a year many of us found challenging. It seems appropriate to share these photos taken on Middle Street last week in front of the Trinity Congregational Church. This hawk sat there as if thinking about entering the church and allowed passers by a good look. It seemed like it might be some kind of message for us to find him there like that sitting so patiently so I checked on the superstitions about seeing hawks. There are too many to share, but the one that spoke to me was from here:

Spread Your Wings and Expand Your Consciousness

When you have a hawk sighting, it’s a sign from the spirit realm that you are ready to take on a larger, more powerful expansion and vision of your world. The hawk symbolizes a need to start looking forward, envisioning your path ahead, and perhaps even preparing for a greater role in life. You could end up leading a group or church, becoming a parent or just finding a wider audience for your talents, gifts, and ideas. A hawk sighting is a direct message from the angels and the Great Spirit that the time has come to spread your wings, to fly higher, and to expand your vision.

Here’s to looking forward in 2022! Cheers and Happy New Year to our followers.

Remembrances of the past year 2021 are something I would rather avoid, so I turned the clock back to 1971 to take a look. If you are like me, the math that tells you that was 50 years ago seems suspect, but I am assured it is correct. The fall news was full of the election to City Council which ended up in a recount. (Hmmmm….. so far, my avoidance technique isn’t working….) I learned that the city’s mayor (a ceremonial position at the time) was selected from among those who won the City Council election. For the 1971 election, this was Robert French. Anyhow, also in the news was the controversy over the “long hairs” and their worthiness as high school athletes! It was well worth a little trip down memory lane. Here are some examples from the Dec 31 1971 Gloucester Daily Times. Maybe you need an escape too.

“Honey, I’m home!” The Pioneer, Jennie n Rose and the Cameron D have recently been spotted returning to harbor. I love watching the fishing boats but most especially I like to watch them return safely.

I received some additional information regarding the damage to the whale tail sculpture at the Paint Factory. They are seeking assistance with repair:

Hi Pat!

Thanks for the post on the whale tail. Yes, unfortunately the tail snapped in the bad October storm we had. If you want to get the word out, we could use a volunteer with welding supplies and experience to help us put it back together. If anyone is interesting in helping they contact me at apensarosa@whale.org or 978-281-2814 ext. 100.

We really appreciate it. Happy Holidays!

Alicia Pensarosa

Assistant Director, Ocean Alliance, Inc. 

32 Horton Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

apensarosa@whale.org

978-281-2814 ext. 100

www.whale.org

Buzzfeed includes CODA in their list of “Best Movies” they watched in 2021! I am guessing this is not the only such list we will be seeing CODA listed on as it is such a great movie. I highly recommend you watch, especially if you love Gloucester.

It was chilly but sunny at Wingaersheek on a recent December day. Just me and the tide.

We visited our friend Bex recently and she reported there’s a Cooper’s Hawk hanging around in her neighborhood and she commented on its distinctive call. About a half hour later, we heard an unusual bird call on Rocky Neck and tracked it down to this Cooper’s Hawk. I don’t know what their range is (I am a mere Bird Nerd and not an actual birder) but it seems possible this is the same hawk as reported by Bex. I am including a clip of the call. in case you are interested.

It was a beautiful afternoon and the back shore waves shone especially bright in the low sun. No matter if you are near or far, I hope you had a wonderful weekend and take some time to reflect on all the beauty around you.

Keith the Wreath is coming to the end of his “season” so we just wanted to share one last post to say Merry Christmas to you all and to thank you for the comments, the follows and the support. I hope your day is filled with hope and joy.

The winter solstice was very kind, allowing us to find our fist TWO snowy owls of the season. One at Parker River Wildlife Refuge and one a little further north (thanks to a tip from a fellow photographer). We also got to see a juvenile eagle and a peregrine falcon at Parker River (IDs by an actual birder so……) Thrilling as always and a great early Christmas gift! I hope all your wishes come true this holiday season. For additional pictures and details, be sure to check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

It appears the new beds have been placed on the boulevard near the Fishermen’s Memorial! They look a little lonely without soil but I look forward to seeing them in the spring full of color! Thanks to all involved!!!

We were visiting the Paint Factory this week and noticed the famous Deborah Redmond sculpture of a whale tail experienced some damage. I am assuming the recent storms and fierce winds played havoc with this piece which has been standing tall for at least 3 years now. Here’s a “before” along with “current” pictures. It’s a little sad but it still seems tall and proud to me.

If you are still looking for a little gift, consider these items now available from Pat D’s Photos for local delivery. If shipped, we cannot guarantee delivery before the weekend but we will ship for an added charge. These square glass owl ornaments are really lovely especially when lit from behind (3″ x 3″ $25 each). The coasters are 2/$12 and made of sturdy cork. Coasters are available for Resting Dories, High Tide Lighthouse, Crystal Ball on shell, Peeking Owl and Sandy Point Snowy, and Red Chair on Good Harbor Beach. Contact me by commenting here or messaging me through Facebook Pat D’s Photos and Adventures. We will deliver locally. Thanks to all for your continued support!

Coasters 2/$12:

We took a ride up to Salisbury State Reservation recently in search of raptors, and despite looking for them we were still a little surprised to find this Northern Harrier hawk persistently hunting right in our immediate range. He did not seem to catch anything but the wind was carrying him around so fast I would have been surprised to see him successfully capture prey. It’s a nice treat to ride up there. Parking is free now and there’s always something to watch.

It appears FreshPrep360 is preparing to open up on Duncan Street in Gloucester. It will be nice to have the space formerly occupied by Breakwater Roasters up and running again. This food prep and delivery service might appeal to some of you so stay tuned! Also take note they are hiring if you are interested.

We were able to photograph a few of the seals resting and relaxing at Brace Cove this week. It was a gorgeous day, mild and sunny for mid December, and the light was hitting them just right. There was another couple nearby commenting on how beautiful it was to see them with the sun spotlight shining brightly. Another passer-by suggested the seal who made its way up onto the rock was a baby but I do not know. There were a few out there swimming around just as the tide started to come in. It’s so relaxing watching them!

It was an unusually beautiful day recently and this little dory sitting quietly at dock drew my attention. What a wonderful place we live where there are beautiful sights everywhere you turn. I hope you take a moment to look at these peaceful photos and reflect on the season and the beauty all around us.

We found ourselves on Plum Island in the pretty light of a late December afternoon recently and I just had to take some extra photos to show it off. A nice surprise was finding the Plum Island Light! And it was all decked out for the holidays as well as basking in the sun. It’s worth a little ride if you love approaching sunset.

We attended the Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony for Bravo by the Sea Two on Main St at the former Larsen’s location yesterday. It was festive and there were still customers picking up orders throughout. We wish them well. Stop by to check it out. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Men’s Night in Gloucester tonight! Keith the Wreath stopped by some downtown (and other) spots in advance of tonight’s fun. He hopes to see you there!