Author: Pat D

It was low tide on a beautiful day at Wingaersheek Beach earlier this week. I enjoyed walking out past the channel marker to see the Annisquam Lighthouse from a new (to me) angle.

Joey recently reminded me of how great the lobster carbonara is at Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street, so we made a point to get down there to indulge. Thanks to Hannah, our server, for great service! We sat appropriately distanced at the bar, masks and sanitizing stations on full display so we felt safe. Jim had one of the specials that night: peanut crusted mahi mahi which he enjoyed very much. It’s one of our favorite places for the great food, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.

You may remember from my eagle post yesterday that I posed a question to our readers to assist in confirming the “intruder” who seemed to be harassing the 2 adult eagles flying high over the sky in Magnolia recently. I had originally thought it was a hawk, but upon closer examination of the photos, I wondered if it might be a juvenile.

I heard from Larissa Smith of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey: “I work for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ on the NJ Bald Eagle Project. That is an immature eagle, probably a 3year old bird. It is interesting that the adults were carrying sticks which would indicate nesting somewhere in the area.” Thank you Larissa! Three eagles over Magnolia….here are a few additional photos.

The Windward Grille on Eastern Ave Essex is reopening for indoor dining this week! Spring really is on the way! We hope to get there soon.

We were very happy to see an eagle fly into a tree in our Magnolia yard and examine an abandoned hawk nest. We have seen this a few times over the past few weeks but yesterday we got quite a show! The eagle sitting in the hawk nest got actively harassed by a red tail hawk, screeching in protest at the bigger predator. The eagle took off, stick in mouth and I lost it for a bit. Then an eagle landed in another tree at the edge of the marsh then took off in a soaring flight back and forth over a wide area. Pretty soon, another eagle joined up and this couple stuck together as an intruder interrupted their peaceful Sunday flyover. At first we thought the intruder was a hawk, but closer examinations of the photos puts that in doubt for me. The third bird had coloring that suggests it could be a juvenile eagle but I am just not certain. Perhaps someone out there with more detailed knowledge will weigh in?

Anyhow, one of the eagles and the intruder skirmished a bit in mid flight before the second eagle came in as reinforcement. This lasted several minutes overhead and was difficult to photograph so high in the sky so some of these are a little bit fuzzy. It was an amazing sight to witness. After a bit, the eagle couple flew off together toward the harbor and we hope to see them again soon!!!

Tomorrow is Monday and that’s a reason to celebrate because that means it’s $12 Burger and Beer night at the Beauport. Hope to see you there! Last week’s special menu choices shown below. I recommend the chicken…..on Burger Night….YES!

It seemed to be all lines and shadows, waves and blowing sand at Good Harbor Beach recently. A little lonely but not for long.

The State Pier is always interesting……..

“The more things change, the more they stay the same” is one of those phrases I didn’t understand too well as a kid, but I understand much better now. Though season, tides and weather changes, we have certain stable reminders of our history,

I was a little surprised to come upon this group kayaking and paddleboarding on the Jones River on a “Sunday Ride” as February came to a close. Great day for it! Although I realize we are in false spring, it’s still nice to see signs that the seasons are changing.

Our Sunday dinner plans didn’t go as expected. Our intended destination was too busy to take us within the time frame we had available (which is great news) so we decided to go the 525 on Lexington Ave in Magnolia. It was just the atmosphere and vibe we were looking for that night. The atmosphere is low key and cozy. Masks were worn by all, seating appropriately distanced and separate: all protocols in place to make me feel secure.

The walls are decorated with old photos of Magnolia, so I’m totally in love. The Pom Pom margarita was VERY well made and I plan to make it a return favorite. I tried the French Onion soup….also to go on my favorites menu. Jim had the chicken pot pie, perfect for a Sunday night appetite. He thinks this is the way pot pies should be presented! I ordered a pizza (brick oven was the key phrase in that decision). I tried the Spanish Coffee which perfectly topped off the dinner It was a very enjoyable experience. We’ll be back sooner than later!

The fierce winds caused some damage to Our Lady of Good Voyage. Thanks to “Beauport Bob” for the heads-up!

It was a wild and windy day as high tide approached at Lane’s Cove yesterday.

Lovely sea, moody sky yesterday in Magnolia.

I stopped by Collecting Dust on Maplewood Ave a couple of days ago to browse. I’d been want to get in there for a look-around for a little while and this was the perfect opportunity. They are open at 2 PM daily, according to Audie (that’s day’s clerk). It’s a small shop crammed with gadgets, bee-bobs, collectibles and antiques of all sorts. Audie tells me inventory turns over quickly so it pays to stop by often. I took home a cute little ceramic Spring/Easter decoration. There is a great deal to look at, so budget some time. Prices are reasonable and the inventory will appeal to many interests. Check them out on Facebook. I’ll be taking GMG Jimmy back because he’s going to love it!

It wasn’t overly sunny or pretty, but it was relatively mild and many people came out to relish in the warmer air. The beaches and parks were very full yesterday; Stage Fort Park was no exception. Maybe March is coming in like a lamb.

Chief Conley and the Gloucester Police Department recently announced the publication of an FAQ informational webpage to address concerns from residents over the firing range. If you have questions, you may find the answers here at this link.

Image borrowed from the Gloucester Police MA Twitter feed.

Brilliant and beautiful. “All is blue for a time.”

Another in my series of photos of interesting barns found along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. I think this barn is magnificent and I am especially charmed by the mailbox.

We were VERY happy to get to go to Tonno Gloucester for dinner tonight on Main Street. Online reservations were easily made, all servers were appropriately masked and tables separated. My lemon drop was OUTSTANDING….kudos to the bartender! Jim ordered the Chicken Milanese, which is what I had intended to order so I changed mine to the Sunday Spaghetti. Is that something you do too? Change your order so that there are different meals on the table? I don’t know why I do that, but it certainly worked out for me. We also ordered the garlic bread with prosciutto (a must have). Paulo served us efficiently and in a friendly manner. It was a lovely evening and I am so glad Tonno is back!