Author: patmorss

Signs of Summer — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

There’s no doubt we’ve changed seasons.

After 2 weeks of attacking his reflection, this Robin appears to have given up.
An infrequent visitor, a Sei Whale swam by, skim feeding with open mouth.
Our Mourning Dove couple is back, nesting above the solar panels.
We’re hoping the deer now have plenty to eat elsewhere.
This Red Squirrel found an appropriate color for its background.
“I’ve got a problem if that second Cananda Goose wants to share my rock.”
“I’m outta here!”
On Niles Pond, Eddy (the Great) Egret never seems to get all his feathers in order.
“Much better view of the pond from up here.”
We haven’t had swans for years. I hope he/she has a mate.
Mom Mallard, talking to her duckling at the far left – “No, we’re not going swimming yet.”
And a proud mom, at that.

Whale Feeding — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

I was also out last week to Stellwagen Bank, on 7 Seas Whale Watch, to see what the excitement was all about.

Our naturalist welcomed back this inshore Humpback mother, who had produced many calves in previous years.
It was encouraging to see a number of mothers on Stellagen swimming with their youngsters.
Bubble-net feeding was the highlight. Exhaled bubbles from the whale float krill and small fish to the surface.
The whale surfaces through the prey with an open mouth, harboring dinner in its tremandous lower jaw.
The gulls are quick to congregate for their own snacks around the swimming pool.
The whale forces seawater out through a curtain of baleen plates hanging from its upper jaw, trapping its food.
The gulls plead with the whale to open its mouth one more time.
But settling back down in the water, it swallows its catch.
This dinner is over, and the gulls wait for another of the many feeding whales around the horizon to surface.

Norway — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Anne-Lise and I are back from a trip to Norway to see her sister Berit and husband Jan at their home on the island of Tjome, south of Oslo, Norway. The latter part of our visit was to the Alesund area, half way up the west coast.

Berit’s and Jan’s house in Tjome (center), on the fjord.
Gloucester’s shrimp season has been closed for years, but Norway’s remains open year round.
Jan feeds the shells to the gulls – singing for their supper.
Canada Geese are common for us. In Norway it’s the Greylag Goose.
The classic view of Alesund. Most of the city burned in 1904 and was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.
A hint of a Nordic Venice. We stayed at Hotel Brosundet (yellow bldg.), a former fishery warehouse.
Like Cape Ann, Alesund has breakwaters, lighthouses, and commercial waterfront buildings, mixed with tourism.
One of the surviving historic wood buildings, this antique shop could have been in Essex, MA.
Towns have doves, and cities (including Alesund) have pigeons.
I hope this Rock Pigeon is landing a kiss.
Commercial fishing vessels tied up downtown.
Sunset sneaking under the clouds, like here at home. The Gulf Stream allows boats to be in the water all year.
Evening view from Storfjord Hotel, an hour’s drive up Storfjord from Alesund. Spring was ahead of Cape Ann.
There were warning signs about Trolls on this hike through dark woods.
The pack ice and coastal mountain range were vast, as we passed over the southern tip of Greenland.

Scallopers Sequel — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Yesterday was a windy afternoon, so the scallop boats were contending with a chop.

The scallops must be shucked and bagged on the way in, before landing …
… no matter how unstable the working platform. The gulls were happy.
Coming and going, working toward the short season’s quotas.
Powering through.
Further along toward the breakwater, still shucking.
Larger boats headed back out, with outriggers to deploy the dredges.
Scallopers aren’t the only boats out there this month.
It’s lumpy for everyone, even though coming in is downwind.

Spring Scallops — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

People here are focused on the short April scallop season, but spring continues in other ways too.

The fleet, mostly down from Maine and New Hampshire, is headed in and out 24/7.
‘Kingfisher’ landed her catch at Cape Ann Lobstermen in East Gloucester.
At the pier, the gear looks pretty complicated.
Shucked and bagged scallops are weighed for payment.
Then packed in ice and loaded indoors for processing.
The parade continues during the night.
Meanwhile the Mallards are mating on Niles Pond.
The male celebrates with quick laps around the mother-to-be.
Five of our deer overpopulation prance across the road.
Is this how high they can reach at dinner time?
It’s spring, so why not a few more snow showers a week into April?

After the Snow and Ice – pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

As we oscillate our way into spring, the snow banks have mostly melted and the ice is off the ponds.

Exactly a month ago, an early sail outside the harbor. Snow still on the rocks.
Quick clipper snow storms continued alternating with spring days.
Seasonal Red-breasted Mergansers found unfrozen water in Lighthouse Cove.
Squirrels traveled the tree branch network, waiting for more snow on the ground to melt.
Josh Falk’s ‘Atlantic Cod’ looking apprehensive, swimming on snow.
Canada Geese eyeing a narrow strip of blue water between ice and shore on Niles Pond.
With the ice melted, a Common Goldeneye had free rein of the pond.
One of a dozen Harbor Seals haulded out and sunning at Brace Cove.
Foraging for food is easier without snow, for the White-tailed Deer. And they’re not afraid.
A competetive Northern Cardinal protecting his area.
Then calling for, or communicating with, his mate on a warm morning.
Newly-blooming crocuses. They were snipped off by the deer before the next morning.

Snow’s Melting! — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Gloucester and Boston reported a record high temperature of 74-degrees F yesterday, accelerating the snowmelt.

After our second storm two weeks ago, the snow has hung around during the cold.
Then a couple of days ago, melting was well underway.
The gnomes in the tree trunk began to reappear.
Now it looks like spring, and they’re all smiles.
It’s been tough for the animals foraging for food.
This youngster appears to have come through OK (but don’t eat our plants).
Niles Pond has been frozen solid with few signs of human or wildlife.
Today, a little melting along the shore allowed the Mallards to swim again.
Snow didn’t impede crows from harassing a Red-tailed Hawk.
Brace Cove never froze, and yesterday 16 seals soaked up the unseasonal warmth.
The full moon looked like a compacted hot ember, distorted just above the horizon.

Snowy Winter — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

We have had snow on and off continually since our two feet the end of January. Another foot is expected during a Nor’easter coming in tomorrow evening.

We’re getting used to this ocean view.
The birds are getting more competetive.
Goldfinches favor the Nyjer seeds.
Mr Cardinal – “Thanks for replenishing the Sunflower seeds.”
I suspect turkeys passed by here not long ago.
Not at all long ago.
“I’m a resident.”
Ten deer at a time is too many.
Our new Green Giant Arborvitae was supposed to be deer resistant.
Anne-Lise counterattacked with an airhorn.
We have also had sun between snowfalls, but the rocks remain glazed with ice.
A large flock of Starlings took over the area in an unusual winter appearance.
A Great Black-backed Gull with its white underbody observed while soaring above.

Snowstorm — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Our snowstorm last week brought 27 inches to Gloucester, the most since the weekly blizzards of 2015 that dropped their record total of 9 feet.

The snowfall started on January 25th, and our path to the rocks quickly turned white.
It didn’t bother the coyotes who continued to follow their daily routines.
The brunt of the storm passed offshore, so the waves were modest.
Our restaurant was increasingly popular with the birds, as it got colder.
We never closed, but reverted to taking reservations.
Walking in deep snow after the storm was difficult, so the turkeys took to the trees, and the sunshine.
The berry eaters did fine with the winter weather.
This flock of Cedar Waxwings had a substantial food source.
As did the wintering flock of American Robins. No worms until spring.
A pair of coyotes joined us on the weekend for brunch. This may be a male?
And a female? After all, it’s mating season. Everyone looks healthy this year – no mange.
We added several more inches of “ocean effect” snow during the next storm, which was further offshore.
The deer appear unfazed. Here, peering between the rails of a wood fence.
Forget Groundhog Day! Our ‘spring marker’ is when the sun again sets north (right) of the lighthouse tower.

Between Storms — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

As we await a winter storm later this weekend, the wildlife carries on.

Touring the GMGI marine biology lab, I learned this species of sea urchincan live 200 years.
Close to the rocks, Common Eiders were comfortable with the cold and the gray skies.
A male Cardinal after the previous snowfall.
Possibly his mate, checking out female Goldfinches enjoying thistle seeds.
Isn’t it a little early to be prancing around the Maypole?
This Red-tailed Hawk isn’t letting on that it is being harassed by several crows.
Northern Mockingbirds shift to berries in the winter when summer insects aren’t available.
A “cat ‘o nine tails” is finally going to seed at Niles Pond.
After another pond thaw/freeze, the creation of these repeated “ice splashes” remains intriguing.
Incoming Mallards, to join the crowd on the ice.
“Watch out – it’s slippery.”
“Now you tell us!”
And another explosive winter sunset.

Chronology of the Holidays

Posted on by patmorss

Here is some of what was happening (mostly outdoors) during the Holiday Season.

Dec 21: Cape Ann Collectors paired art with wines during their ‘Palette to Palate’ Exhibit.
Dec 23: A White-tailed Deer family was looking for something green.
Dec 23: Canada Goose. “Survived Thanksgiving. Hope Christmas isn’t more of a threat.”
Dec 24: An impressive Christmas Eve sunset, with the Boston skyline.
Dec 25: A female Common Eider bobbing in the waves. Merry Christmas.
Dec 26: Ice conditions not perfect for skating. “I’ll rest and check my messages.”
Dec 27: Male Northern Cardinal. Forget about camouflage in the snow.
Dec 28: “I could swear this birdbath used to have drinking water.”
Dec 31: Talk about ‘flash frozen’ around this small rock in Niles Pond.
Jan 1: ‘Bear’ finally loves the weather. Happy New Year.
Jan 2: A small part of a flock of European Starlings taking a break on the wires.
Jan 3: Iceboating on Niles Pond. Brakes are still crude technology.
Jan 3: The sun breaks through later. Student learner riding on one of the runners.

Time Marches On — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

We’ve gone from fall foliage to snow and frigid temperatures in less than 3 weeks.

Thanksgiving leftovers have run out. Fortunately, eggnog came early this year.
Anne-Lise enjoying colorful foliage on Niles Pond Road, November 20th.
Same road, as temperatures are dropping into the teens, December 14th.
The turkeys will stick around for the winter, owning the roads.
Berries have held out to provide the only bright colors around Niles Pond.
A warm early December allowed Canada Geese to continue walking on water.
But soon the Mallards were walking on ice, around an opening.
Followed by snow.
Getting to be huddling time.
Deer eat whatever they can find – our bushes. The right antler didn’t grow normally.
Yesterday was the coldest, but we’re expecting a short reprieve.
Approaching Christmas and the Holidays, the winter sunsets seem to be more sinister.

Thanksgiving Animals — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Here’s a look at some of our neighbors during Thanksgiving season.

This fly has opted for indoors, and is fascinated watching me at my computer.
House Sparrows forever greet us at low altitude on our walks.
Red-tailed Hawk, before three boisterous crows dispatched him further down our path.
Hooded Mergansers have returned to Niles Pond and look thankfully relaxed.
A Double-crested Cormorant figures the pond is quieter than the ocean.
The seals are at Brace Cove for the winter. The one in the middle has a bloody red face.
Mabe it had an encounter with this one, a couple of rocks over (head at left).
This coyote’s misfortune was deadly. Seen here after several high tides.
A handsome white-tailed buck stared me down in our yard.
His doe was watching patiently from the bushes behind him.
Another day another doe. “How do I look in red?”
A welcome walk and a red sunset after our extended Thanksgiving lunch.

Winter Adjustments — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

It’s not winter yet, but changes are apparent.

The sky is a steel-gray more of the time.
And the ocean is looking more sinister.
Our winter guests are assembling in high numbers on Niles Pond.
Mallards are engaging in synchronized head-pumping.
Bobbing up and down, it is an early stage of courtship.
Painted Turtles are discussing how long until hibernation.
Watching this Harbor Seal in Brace Cove, I’m glad the swimming season is over.
The view is unobstructed for raptors, now that the leaves are off the trees.
Friendly Northern Mockingbirds will continue to follow our walks.
A new Osprey platform is ready for spring at the Mass. Audubon sanctury.
Mating is at a peak for the White-tailed Deer.
The bucks are bolder during the rut.
From home, the sun will set south (left) of the lighthouse until mid-February.

An Autumn Walk — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Anne-Lise and I walk daily from home, and fall is particularly beautiful.

This maple at Beauport Museum is reliable for color.
It has been a good year for red.
We stop to say hello to our neighbors, and their owners.
Offerings at the tree trunk have grown and evolved over the last two years.
Leaves are extra vibrant when they are wet.
Four residents in this part of the Niles Pond ‘Heron Tree.’
Black-crowned Night Herons of various ages, resting on one leg.
This juvenile kept one eye on us while napping.
The low light is stunning in the afternoon.
I’m always looking up.
‘Hank (Great Blue) Heron’ passing into the shadows on the pond.
With leaves falling, this is something to look forward to again next autumn.

CAPA week, 2025 — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

A week ago, we were near the end of the 9th annual Cape Ann Plein Air event.

A selected artist painted ‘live’ most evenings, here at Manchester’s 35 Beach restaurant.
We hosted artist Carolyn Lindsey. Restaurant co-owner Matthew Cain watched her paint.
Dinner was excellent. I got up between courses to check on Carolyn’s progress.
At 3/4 dinner and 3/4 painting, that’s me at the left table.
The ‘Quick Draw’ took place Saturday with artists spread around downtown Manchester.
They had only 2 hours to complete their paintings.
Followed by a half hour for framing, then the judging and sale to the public.
For just this event, 100+ guest artists also competed with their own judging.
The 35 registered artists, from all over the country, were judged indoors.
Christine Lashley, with her studio in Old Town Alexandria, VA, took 1st Place.
The Gala was at East Gloucester’s North Shore Arts Association, which was open all weekend for purchase of the week’s art.
Richard Sneary (Kansas City, MO) and Carolyn Lindsey (Cuervo, NM) are the first and the most recent artists to stay with us in Gloucester.

Photos with a twist — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Sometimes we see something unexpected.

This Cooper’s Hawk looks smaller than real life, alone in the mist. [Our ornithologist daughter just told me that it looks small because it’s a Merlin!]
Gray Catbird in a classic guidebook pose. But it can be more approachable.
Same bird pacing around the branch with wings clasped behind its back.
Finally establishing eye contact, with a quizzical look.
Mallards are back in force, bottom-feeding on a shallow Niles Pond.
DON’T FORGET – Fall is duck planting season.
These “piles” were a mystery, until there was new evidence.
An intact Eastern Black Walnut casing (R), not yet opened by a squirrel stealing another nut.
Anne-Lise’s rack of lamb, looking like an elephant with too many legs.
That’s better.
And a delicious dinner deserves a Cape Ann sunset.

Flora and Fauna — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Progressing into autumn.

Perfect toadstool for the next passing toad.
Tar spot fungus on some of our maple trees is apparently not a health concern.
But invasive bittersweet may suffocate this covered spruce tree.
Late-born fawns are maturing before winter.
Eastern Garter Snake taking a defensive posture, crossing the road.
A Mourning Dove now understands why raptors like the view.
Time is getting short for the dahlias on Stacy Boulevard.
This dahlia is seemingly bearing fruit.
While two bees nearly shake feet, working on the same flower.
And Monarch Butterflies prepare for their amazing multi-generation migration to Mexico.

Transiting Labor Day — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

Labor Day has passed, and we enter another season.

Before the weekend, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds started stocking up for their migration.
Like our Monarch Butterflies, hummingbirds winter in Mexico (and Central America).
Welcoming ‘American Eagle,’ as schooners assemble for the Labor Day Schooner Festival.
Tabor Academy’s ‘Tabor Boy’ docked at Maritime Gloucester, the evening before the race.
Walking over to the I4C2 docks, Fitz Henry Lane was still painting his painting (wall mural).
It was nice sunset light, looking across to Rocky Neck and Ocean Alliance’s Paint Factory.
‘Adventure’ (center) was among the schooners tied up at I4C2.
The place was hopping with live music at Blue Collar Lobster Co.
On race Sunday, ‘American Eagle’ (beyond) and ‘Thomas E Lannon’ headed to the line.
‘Denis Sullivan’ (Wisconsin) and the others had an escort flotilla during the “Parade of Sail.”
Post-holiday, there are many juvenile (L) and adult Little Blue Herons on Niles Pond.
This first-year youngster is experiencing a partial molt of non-flight body feathers.
And here’s what his non-molting brethren still look like.

Days of Summer — pat morss

Posted on by patmorss

A warm humid summer is slowing down the activity level, particularly among the wildlife.

A nice harbor setup – a castle to live in, a tower at the head of the dock, and a private yacht.
‘Adventure’ ghosting along the outer shore before sunset.
Even the deer are hiding more in the shade of the bushes.
A Black-crowned Night Heron cooling off, knee-deep in Niles Pond.
I wasn’t fast enough to focus on Eddy Egret when he took off.
Up in a tree, he seemed to be yelling at someone.
The Song Sparrow is the professional vocalist.
Mallard: “I’m just talking to my tail.”
There have been hundreds of bees working around our Hydrangeas.
Here’s a typical busy bee.
Maybe a Virginia Tiger Moth Caterpillar? Much brighter than a Wooly Bear.
But the same color as our sunset, through the trees and smoke from the Canadian wildfires.