Author: Pat D

I was watching the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam a day or so ago and noticed an empty water bottle had appeared in the nest along with the reported 3 eggs. The Lobsta Land marsh pair, known as Annie and Squam, have successfully nested at this location for several years and David Rimmer has faithfully kept us all up to date on the goings-on. You can catch up here on the story as it develops AND watch the osprey cam.

I was timely enough to catch a view of the changing of the guard as one partner (I believe Annie) flew off briefly giving the other partner some nest time (presumably Squam). The couple quickly reunited in the nest for some maintenance. I noted one of them was kind of pecking at the empty water bottle but couldn’t really get a grip. Obviously it was carried into the nest along with some other debris. In general the couple seems happy with their nest home and I will keep my eye on it especially as we approach the expected hatching date range June 5-10 (thanks Dave!). It’s quite addicting once you start watching.

Some screenshots:

I had been curious as to the project underway at Stage Fort Park creating a foundation and new pathways so I checked into it. Mayor Greg Verga informed me that the DPW is working to create a new location for the Vietnam Memorial which is currently located (at the time of this writing) at the Gloucester High School. I think this is a tremendous idea! The new location will be perfect for the quiet reflection and appreciation appropriate for our Vietnam Veterans.

This is from the City website regarding those being honored (since it’s hard to read from the photo). Thank you to these men and their families especially on this Memorial Day weekend.

UPDATE: The memorial was moved and a ceremony is planned for 10 AM Monday Memorial Day at the new Stage Fort Park location.

From the current high school location:

To the future location at Stage Fort Park:

Sharing a reminder from the City of Gloucester:

I stopped at the Azorean on Washington St. recently intending to order another dish entirely, but when I saw the pizza on the menu I was reminded how good it is so I ordered that. I have said it before, it might be the most underrated pizza in the city. The atmosphere is also friendly and warm, partially thanks to Mike behind the bar. I left humming the Cheers theme song.

PS: Did you know there was such a thing as Truly on tap???!!! Game Changer…..

PLAY BALL! Nothing says summer quite like Little League Baseball. Here are some shots from the Red Sox vs Giants game held recently. Thank you to the coaches, umpires, concession staff, parents and other volunteers who make this all happen for our children.

This is more than my usual number of photos but it’s well worth it!

I am very happy to share that my photo “Resting Dories” was selected as the 2022 Great Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce cover photo for their map. This image is available as a print, magnet, notecard or glass print if you are interested. Message me here or at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. Also, please stop by at Castaways Vintage Cafe Saturday May 28 from 9-4 on Main St (access via Rogers St) to see Pat D’s Photos in person! Stop in and say hello.

St. Peter’s Square was hopping with fishermen transferring their traps onto their vessels last week: Dunlin, Stanley Thomas, Striper King, and Tight Lines. Here we go!

Maybe you’re from away and miss the scenery at Lane’s Cove on a pretty day. Here you go. High tide. Pretty skies. Sunshine. Can’t miss.

Oliver’s Harbor on Main St. in Gloucester shared some updated lunch news that I am excited to share. Snapshot of their Facebook announcement:

Hey, Donna! I was wandering loose in your neighborhood recently! Magnolia seems extra pretty this spring by the beach and the pier, especially with dramatic cloud cover.

Maritime Gloucester held a “Launch Into Summer” event on the Harbor Loop docks last night and it was a grand success. The event was sold out and, even though there was a chill in the air, a grand time was had outside under the tent enjoying Burnham’s Catering. The museum on the Harbor Loop has significant updates to show off, especially in the area of education. They plan to re-open for the season next weekend and I encourage you to stop down for a visit. Memberships are available which I would encourage you to consider as it’s likely you will want to go back often!

Local environmental organizations will be joining Sea Scout 5 on the Harbor Loop Saturday May 21 from 11-1 to unveil a newly installed water refill station. This refillable water station behind the Harbormaster’s Office was made possible, in part, by a grant from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation with support from the City of Gloucester and NOAA.

The Skipper of Sea Scout 5 is Lynn Colletti and she invited me down to a meeting they were having to wrap up details for the event since I cannot attend myself. A representative from Earth Echo , Sean Russell, joined the meeting virtually to offer support and suggestions to those present including Nicolette Stamos, Aidan Rosell, Eleanor Melvin and Gavin Natti. Other members include Tessa and Catherine Peterman, Jackson and Tim Ketchopulos, Sierra and Greg Pargett, Emma, Becci and Nellie Sheerin, Congratulations to all on your fine work.

All are welcome to stop down at the Harbor Loop for Saturday’s event between 11-1. For additional information, check out the Good Morning Gloucester post from James Eves outlining additional details

Sharp new signage appeared recently on the back of the Howard Blackburn restaurant. Nicely done!

Sharing information from City of Gloucester Facebook page:

Gloucester Elks is hosting an outdoor craft fair Saturday May 21 from 10-3 in their parking lot. Pat D’s Photos will be there with prints, notecards, refrigerator magnets, coasters, glass prints and more! Please stop by and say hello to GMG Jim and I. We always like to put a face to a name especially if you are followers of the blog or the podcast. Cape Ann Sea Salt, Hold Fast Soap and Ardizzoni Photography are among the other vendors and it should be a great day. Some samples of available items from Pat D’s Photos shown below. I think the 5 x 7 glass prints are going to go fast!

The Greasypole Nation recently shared the following Fiesta 2022 schedule. Please support the committee any way that you can. welcome back!

The Gloucester Harbormaster’s office has announced a new kayak rack will be installed at the Stubby Knowles landing. To reserve your spot or for more information click here.

Screenshot from Harbormaster’s Facebook page announcement:

Spring has sprung at the heron rookery near Georgetown. I stopped by on such a warm day that it seemed some of the adult herons were compensating for the heat by panting and wing spreading. There are babies in most of the nests; as well as some adult pairs still getting nests prepared with sticks and other material. There are several nests in this rookery and I saw evidence of maybe a dozen chicks. Always a great treat.

There was another photographer there who had fallen just as I arrived and was having difficulty getting back up. I was attempting to assist when a young man drove up. I asked for help and he seemed hesitant at first but when I explained someone had fallen and was struggling, he jumped right in to help. So, thanks Good Samaritan! I hope the photographer is back on the trail again soon.

As pictures of the May 13 Sebastian Junger Gloucester 400 event had already been posted, I originally decided to refrain from commenting on the event (thanks for the photos, Scottie!). But then, life intervened in the form of disheartening and heartbreaking news relating (in part) to crimes of hatred and COVID numbers. And I began to reflect back on the words spoken by Mr. Junger and the emotional impact it had on me at the time began to resonate in an even bigger way. He spoke to the importance of human dignity and the fragility of life. These themes hit me right in the heart and then hit again even harder a few days later as I learned of the shootings in Buffalo. Human dignity is essential and life is far too fragile to waste time. Thank you Mr. Junger for the powerful reminder. I am very happy I was able to attend and congratulations to the Gloucester 400 for a great event. (PS May I suggest seeking Sian Heder’s return to Gloucester for a similar event? I expect that’s already been considered ……)

The sun and the fog seemed to be playing tag with each other a couple of days ago. It was clear and sunny at my house in Magnolia, but Good Harbor Beach was covered in swiftly moving fog. It was a little eerie, but still totally stunning. A fair spring day to celebrate.