Author: patmorss

It’s Summer at Our House — pat morss

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Finally, it feels and looks like summer as we pass the solstice.

House Finches at the front door; their beaks seem to grow the fastest.
Mourning Dove parents at the solar panels, tending to their two squabs.
Feeding both hungry kids at one time. Next morning the nest was empty.
It’s fun watching a professional. Eddy Egret on the lookout, hopping around.
Strike, with perfect timing.
Caught it!
Off to a comfortable rock to dine.
Whale watch season is in full swing; boats retrurning from their afternoon trips.
Joined on the deck by a swarm of feeding dragonflies. Jet contrails above.
BEFORE: Lobster dinner tastes better in the summer.
AFTER: No explanation needed.

Challenges in our Nursery — pat morss

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Things are going well in some cases, but not so well in others.

REFRESHER: Our House Finches returned and she laid 5 eggs at our front door.
UPDATE: Looks like 2 growing chicks; hope the other 3 eggs hatch.
REFRESHER: Wrens trying to survive contractors, mail/newspaper deliveries, trash pickup.
UPDATE: No adults for 2 weeks; I slid out the nest to look; eggs appear abandoned.
We learned the male Mourning Dove tends the nest during the day.
And the female tends during the evening and night; here she’s taking over their 2 squabs.
Presumably dad, this morning, after feeding the kids; thunder storms then hit the nest.
Last evening a lone baby fawn crossed the lawn and looked for shelter.
It lay down, not yet taught to fear humans.
No sign of it this morning. Hope it was picked up by mom, not a coyote.
On a bright note, Eddy Egret met us at Niles Pond.
He flew ahead to his next fishing rock (he’s been fishing our low tide rocks too).
He greeted us when we caught up with him on our walk.

Potpourri — pat morss

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No particular theme popped up out of recent happenings.

A gift of fresh rhubarb grown by a neighbor.
Still Life in stones, with a vertical garden.
Gray Catbird with an appreciation for sulpture.
“This is why I’m called a Red-winged Blackbird.”
“I told him he had to leave.”
“But you do still smell of turtle.”
Eiders moving in a little too close to Mother Mallard’s duckling (bottom).
Back in proper formation.
Navigating under sail. [classic deepwater schooner]
And by motor. [speed and noise]
And with both. [look like a flying tick?]
Two cruise ships navigate toward Boston at dawn, completing their trips.

Practicing (for) Parenting — pat morss

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Breaking news on the feather front.

Female Common Eiders are already well into it, sharing parenting.
More moms taking care of fewer kids is even better.
Maybe catching up, a male Goldfinch is resplendent in his breeding plumage.
A pair of Cedar Waxwings, planning their family.
Ms. Mourning Dove is nesting again on top of our hot water solar panels.
Mr Dove is content to watch from the railing above.
Our House Finches are nesting. Last summer we mistakenly took their nest away early.
They planned a second brood and had to build again. Look at his expression of disdain.
“Houston – We have a problem.”
Carolina Wrens are starting a family in our Boston Globe delivery box.

Whatever Floats — pat morss

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Goings on around Gloucester’s Eastern Point waters.

USCG Buoy Tender ‘Marcus Hanna’ stops by to service Nun 4.
Shaving off the seaweed, some welding on the chain, and back into the water.
‘Hurricane II’ slowed down to investigate – I missed the splash at the right.
It was whale tail activity off the lighthouse.
Commercial fishing was inshore yesterday with boats working in pairs.
‘Tribiah Lee’ pulling in her net as lobster boat ‘Jupiter II’ passes by.
The word was out, as ‘Tribiah Lee’ and ‘Money Shot’ wrapped up their catch.
The Audubon sanctuary rocks are strangely tempting for surfers.
In this bird watching instance, the birds are doing the watching.
On Niles Pond, the mother of ten appears to have lost a duckling.
She can take cover along the shore.
Then the kids playing on top of the muskrat lodge.

Mallard Mothers — pat morss

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On Mothers Day, these Mallard women clearly need a break.

This mother of 10 is doing OK keeping her brood safe in the straw.
Until some of the kids strike out toward the middle of Niles Pond.
While this mother of 14 already looks over-stressed.

First Ducklings — pat morss

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We saw our first family of 8 Mallard ducklings last week. Otherwise, it is all hidden activity on Niles Pond.

The little ones are already capable swimmers.
But climbing over sticks is like an obstacle course.
Mom is following along, but letting them explore.
She takes a break to comb her beautiful feathers.
Dad has it easy, napping on top of the muskrat lodge.
Behind schedule: “Follow me, dear – I found a great nesting area.”
Up above, a Downy Woodpecker is rat-a tat-tatting, in sewing machine mode.
A Carolina Wren answers a call.
All of a sudden there are Grey Catbirds everywhere.
Calling all pollinators – “We’re open for business.”
Last weekend we watched the 150th Kentucky Derby at a neighbor’s house.
Their cat couldn’t believe the photo-finish on the big screen.

Buds, Boats and Birds — pat morss

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It’s late spring with signs of the summer season.

Flowering trees are in full bloom.
And indoor orchids are responding in kind.
The US Coast Guard has finished monitoring the short April scallop season.
Cape Ann Whale Watch has launched their summer trips, here heading out.
As has 7 Seas Whale Watch, heading back in.
Off-shore wind turbine construction vessel ‘Sea Installer‘ headed toward the Salem base.
A double-take when sister-ship ‘Sea Challenger‘ pulled into Gloucester yesterday.
Cardinals are key contributors to the chorus in the mating market.
This Red-winged Blackbird spreads its wings for emphasis with each squawk.
A Chipping Sparrow joins our family of friends.
Perhaps this is the same Song Sparrow that greets us frequently fom the same bush.
A Black-crowned Night-Heron was eating something behind the muskrat lodge.
And then moved on to reconnoiter another part of Niles Pond.

Back to the birds–pat morss

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Feather activity is picking up as spring advances.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker awaits its turn on the feeder.
Just off the rocks, Common Eiders ride the swells.
Up, over, and down the other side.
A Song Sparrow takes a break, resting on one leg.
And then it’s back to work.
A Red-tailed Hawk hovers in the wind, looking for a live lunch.
A Turkey Vulture is content with the already dead.
Wild Turkeys – do those look like expressions of love?
Poop rock, Niles Pond; this Double-crested Cormorant looks a little moth-eaten.
Center duck to Merganser: “You DO know you are hogging our rock?”
“OK then, we’ll just move in until you leave.”
This stylish Red-breasted Merganser pair looks happily married.
Left Canada Goose: “Will you accept this engagement band and marry me?”
A male Mallard crosses from pond to wetland, presumably to his mate on a nest.

Not Just the Eclipse — pat morss

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The solar eclipse, with 93% totality in Gloucester, claimed the most attention over the last week, but terrestrial life continued on.

You never know what will turn up on a walk – here, a diorama in a tree trunk hollow.
The short scallop season opened April 1st, with local and visiting boats out at all hours.
Shucking and bagging scallops off Eastern Point, as regulated, before landing the catch.
Anne-Lise’s straightforward preparation of this ultra-fresh seafood for dinner.
Speaking of dinner, the deer equally appreciate our fresh, budding spring greens.
And then, yesterday’s eclipse. This is 10% in, when the light starts to get strange.
I couldn’t find my dense gray filter, and the exposure system was overpowered.
So, I improvised with a hole punched in a sheet of paper, held over the telephoto lens.
Remember the pin-hole camera you made in science class? The effect isn’t bad.
Ghoulish afternoon daylight, as the moon reaches our maximum 93% coverage of the sun.

What’s that bird — pat morss

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This is to answer a question from a viewer – I also wondered what this bird was at the bottom of the bird feeder photo. It didn’t look dark enough for a Red-winged Blackbird, but our ornithologist daughter assured us it is, but is a one year old male.

Current Events — pat morss

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Back to current events with our wildlife.

Cop Cormorant is directing traffic on Niles Pond.
Spring sun means preening for Easter.
Through the reeds, a group photo. SMILE
Painted Turtles are marshalling forces. “Attack when I give the word.”
A content Red-breasted Merganser couple parading the shoreline.
But we dive for food most of the day and it’s exhausting.
When the wind kicks up a chop we take refuge under the bushes.
Embarrassed seals at Brace Cove, giving up a prime sunning rock to two Herring Gulls.
Just missed a great photo of a wet River Otter cantering by under our bird feeder.
Overhead, there’s competition and a pecking order at the feeder.
A curious Common Grackle watches the activity, oblivious to the rain.
An upside to Spring rains is the rainbows.

Former Neighbors — pat morss

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Things are slow as we wait for the next generation of wildlife to appear. So, here is Part 1 of some of our neighbors who visited us, before I began posting on Good Morning Gloucester 5 years ago.

1973: Bruce Goose didn’t go south as expected – stayed until late winter.
1975: Indoors, Brutus and Mai-Tai were the best of friends. (Mai-Tai could bite)
1989: Racoons visited our 2nd floor deck back when we fed pets outdoors.
1990: Swan families were in abundance on Niles Pond.
1995: Pheasants would strut across our property. No more.
1996: Sunrise over Niles Pond, headed to the train.
1999: First Great Blue Heron we were aware of. Maybe Hank Heron’s grandfather.
2001: This Snowy Owl lived in transit in the Audubon sanctuary for a few weeks.
2004: A Red-tailed Hawk perusing the sanctuary from its perch outside our window.
2009: Word spread fast – Ivory Gull at Eastern Point Breakwater (flying in, dead center).
2009: Closeup courtesy of Derek, our son-in-law, also attracted from out of state.
2010: Gordo Baird’s barnyard, documented for years in the Gloucester Daily Times.

We’re already in Meteorological Spring — pat morss

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Astronomical Spring is based on the path of the sun, beginning on the Vernal Equinox. This year it is the earliest since 1896, at 11:06 pm on March 19th. Meteorological Spring always starts on March 1st and lasts exactly 3 months, and is based on temperature and a consistent calendar. I think I’ll side with the meterorologists.

Our Siren Seal of the Seas likes the thaw, on her customary rock in Brace Cove.
But ice persisted at the edge of Niles Pond, offering skate waddling for the Mallards.
Sally Scaup is perfecting her competition Forward Dive.
There was a bit of a splash on the entry, but I’ll give her a 9-1/2 score.
I guess we know who’s the boss here.
“I’ve told you a hundred times to stop pooping on our rock.”
Maggie Merganser is just back from the feather salon and looking for action.
Which comes in the form of another Mallard mating. “Is this the time”?
Yes, it is.
He celebrates with a victory lap.
She seems happy too, although aware of the family-raising challenges ahead.
Spring is happy time for dog walking. “Bruno – are you coming or going”?
And you know it’s Spring when you see your first crocuses.

Recent Happenings — pat morss

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We recently attended the first annual Rocky Neck Winter Fest, and the opening of Our Time on Earth at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.

Rocky Neck, and Smith Cove which it protects, are in winter mode.
Adventure remains at the Marine Railways, now sporting her new propeller and rudder.
No, she doesn’t have a new wheelhouse.
That’s the tug Meridian, beyond.
As part of Winter Fest, multiple artists were sketching portraits at The Cultural Center.
Headquarters appears to be at The Salted Cod – if you can find and open the door.
It houses an excellent selection of local art, crafts and jewelry, and is open all winter.
With an ideal pairing of light food and drinks (sample the flatbreads and wines).
Outside, the flooding high tide reminds us of the impact of climate change.
That takes us to the opening of a current traveling exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Our Time on Earth, curated by the Barbican in London, explores our sustainability.
This visitor is mesmerized by a cosmic video.

Robin Residents & Mallard Amour — pat morss

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There are winter flocks of Robins eating berries everywhere, and Valentines Day is catching on at Niles Pond.

First, the comparison of a European Robin that joined us at Christmas in Norway.
A few of our American Robins gathering around the water cooler to gossip.
A stretch for a red berry.
A friend in the flock positions itself to make it easier.
Quickly downing one berry after another.
Watching where the Robins land reveals what a bounty of berries we have in the winter.
Love is in the air over at Niles Pond. The Herring Gulls are all a-flutter.
A Mallard displays his dance – brother is not impressed.
This couple has already bonded.
Now we feel like intruders.

Winter Routine — pat morss

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Things are slow as we all settle into the winter routine.

Stripes of reeds, gulls, ice, and open water at Niles Pond.
Only one day of adequate ice for skating so far.
A USCG cutter tows F/V Orion, with a dead engine, home into Gloucester at dusk.
Color at dessert time on the suet sideboard. Here are the RED, …
… the WHITE, and the BLUE.
This Red-tailed Hawk is such a regular, I think we should name him or her ‘Randy.’
“Randy Red-tail. I love it. I’m so proud.”
Deer foraging for a late dinner, next door on the frozen ground.
“I’m the leader of the pack” – the first coyote is already down the path and on the rocks.
“I’m the defensive one” – the second coyote sees me, when at the top of the path.
“I’m the red one” – the third coyote just follows the others, often trotting to catch up.
“I’m the timid one” – the fourth coyote retreats back up the driveway to find a safer route.
Winter days often end with a unique sunset, here featuring the Boston skyline.

Second Storm, and (Wild)Life After — pat morss

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The second SE storm of last week was a repeat of the first. Winter wildlife routines then quickly returned to normal.

Once again, flooding of the Audubon sanctuary.
The Eastern Point Lighthouse was nearly an island at high tide.
Gulls seemed to enjoy effortless gliding in the wind.
The two storms stripped the Niles Pond / Brace Cove causway of its cover.
Salt water ponds sprang up inconveniently behind Raymond Beach.
Mallards stuck together, selecting preferred patches of water or ice at Niles Pond.
Huddling for warmth in the dropping temperatures.
Sipping fresh water at the edge of the ice.
Ring-necked Gulls, and Greater and Lesser Scaups gathering like birds of a feather.
A Gadwall couple drops in, and turns up their noses at the neighborhood residents.
A coyote, hobbling with an injured rear left foot, walks its daily route by our house.
Followed by a second.
And a third, running to catch up.

Weather and Wildlife — pat morss

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The beginning of a New Year.

A gig crew getting in a last harbor row before New Year’s Eve champagne.
Canada Geese noisily headed out over the ocean.
A skirmish over suet, the preferred dessert.
Fishing vessel headed home into Gloucester.
Toward a fiery sunset over the Boston skyline.
A Red-tailed Hawk could care less as we walked right under him.
Rain on the coast finally changed to the first snow of 2024.
Deer in the Audubon Sanctuary remained alert.
Two nights later a 70 mph southeast storm hit, causing tree losses.
Waves were modest, but there was a build-up of foam, looking like sponge rubber.
Heavy rain and driveway erosion compromised newspaper delivery.
Calming down last evening, but we’re expecting another storm tomorrow night.