Author: patmorss

Personal Schooner Festival — pat morss

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With so much great coverage of the Labor Day Weekend events, here’s a personal take on our enjoyment of the schooners.

On Saturday our daughter Christina joined me for a sail around the harbor.
Adventure and Denis Sullivan were docked flanking City Hall, beyond.
This could be a Winslow Homer painting – Ardelle near Ten Pound Island
Up close and personal with Isabella.
Later downtown, rest and quiet on Ernestina Morrissey after the deck tours closed.
Thomas E Lannon and Alert sailing guests along the waterfront before sunset.
Seafood and live entertainment on the deck at Blue Collar Lobster Company.
Sunday Race Day, waiting for the schooners, on the breakwater at Eastern Point.
A family watches American Eagle, part of the Parade of Sail.
Foredeck crew on Adventure, rounding Dog Bar Breakwater.
And her “afterguard,” traditionally the decision makers on the race course.
Denis Sullivan’s complex sailplan mixing with today’s motors.
Makes you appreciate the fishing fleet’s Old Days of Sail.
Past the breakwater and out to the starting line.
Milling around, dodging spectator boats, waiting for the starting guns.
Congestion in the haze at the start, with Adventure in the foreground
American Eagle, winner of the Mayor’s Cup, returning to port; Boston beyond.

Just Wings — pat morss

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As we wait for the schooner races and other festivities over the Labor Day Weekend, here are some winged friends who aren’t quite so excited.

This stare is all business. A Black-crowned Night Heron at Niles Pond.
Earlier, Dad Finch stood in the rain while Mom sat on her second clutch of eggs.
Hank Heron (Great Blue) is back in his tree outside our guest room.
A “Ragged Robin” (bird not plant) looks a bit the worse for wear.
Swarming Swallows landing for a break on the rocks, between insect intercept missions.
A juvenile Green Heron steps stealthily to the edge of the rock, on Niles Pond.
Concentrating on something, then losing interest and flying off.
Mallards and a Little Blue Heron contributing to “poop rock.”
A strutting young male Turkey prepping for next spring’s mating season.
Another Little Blue Heron with a great tree-top view fifty feet above Niles Pond.
And yet another flying across the pond to its next perch.
Female bees with “saddlebags” (pollen sacs) on their back legs, while collecting nectar.
The bees mix the pollen with some nectar and store it in the sacs for the return to the hive.

Fish, Fog, Fauna and Fowl — pat morss

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Last weekend featured the Gloucester Fisheries Heritage festival on the Jodrey State Fish Pier, as part of Gloucester’s 400+ year anniversary celebration. Elsewhere around Cape Ann life was playing out normally.

The local fresh fish industry was educating us on the variety of North Atlantic species.
“Capt. Novello” told stories of the bountiful earlier fishing days.
Across the pier were the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and the big boats.
Nathanael Tardis had contemporary stories, while renovating the galley on ‘Endeavor.’
It must be a reeducation learning how to operate all this gear.
It got pretty foggy off Eastern Point last week, as this kayaker discovered.
And the wind turbine erecting vessel ‘Sea Installer’ passed by, disappearing in the fog.
Over in the Audubon Sanctuary, education was ongoing in this deer family.
Then a break from the serious stuff with run and jump time.
At Niles Pond a Little Blue Heron took it easy in the midday sun.
In the morning these male turkeys were plotting who they were going to harass today.

A Friend’s Photos — pat morss

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A friend I work with at the non-profit New England Museum Association, Heather Riggs, wrote me several days ago enclosing a few or her photographs of Lanes Cove. “I was up in Gloucester over the weekend when the fog rolled in. It created the perfect atmosphere for some photos.” She has captured an aspect of why people come to visit Cape Ann.

Mostly Boats and Birds — pat morss

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Some observations from the past week or two.

Jean Elizabeth at the the breakwater. Could equally have been the coast of Maine.
Adventure passing by late afternoon.
A few days later – where’d her mainsail go?
The Eider kids are growing up. Adults hauling out to rest.
Most of the deer (foraging in our flowers), are now adults.
Some bushes are flowering late after last year’s drought.
Adult Little Blue Heron on “Poop Rock” at Niles Pond.
A juvenile Black-Crowned Heron on another rock.
This Cedar Waxwing looks proud and alert.
A fluttering baby Cedar Waxwing made it to our deck during a rainstorm.
We put it at the base of a tree near its probable nest. Hope it made it.
First of this month’s two “Super Moons” setting over the Boston skyline.

Water, Wings, and Exuberant Fur — pat morss

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Recent activity as summer takes hold.

The Blackburn Challenge Cup, around Cape Ann for those who have trained.
Anything you can row or paddle, from war canoes to paddle boards.
A whale watch or schooner sail for the more relaxed.
Tree Swallows, appropriately in a tree.
Goldfinch casualty, up the driveway.
Hank Heron (Great Blue) is back, winging into Niles Pond.
He looks tired.
Canada Geese are content here year-round.
A Green Heron oversees it all.
Exuberant fawns (‘Bambi’) are tearing around the Audubon Sanctuary.
Mom remains vigilant as her kids circle the small pond in opposite directions.
When exhausted, a pit stop.

Catching Up After the Festivals — pat morss

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Things are settling down after July 4th and Gloucester’s late June and early July festivals.

Surprisingly, seeing sunspots through smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
Aquijo, world’s largest sailing ketch, owned by a Norwegian fisherman – philanthropist.
Schooner Columbia paying a visit to the Gloucester Maritime Rendezvous.
The Marblehead to Halifax ocean race fleet passed Cape Ann yesterday.
Plants bring color wherever they can grow.
Mushroom omelette.
Antlers and hay are growing tall.
Plants and ducks line the shore of Niles Pond.
Eddy Egret displays his weapon of choice.
Ailerons and flaps deployed for landing.
Our House Finches are back at the front door with their second brood of the season.
And the four fledglings will be flying soon.

Red Throated Loon In East Gloucester

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Pat D's avatarGood Morning Gloucester

As you have heard me say, I am not a birder though I do love taking bird photos. I was doing just that with this unusual (for me) bird in East Gloucester. I had observed it previously but was without my camera but this time I hit the jackpot as it paddled close by. I suspected at first it might be a loon, something I have always wanted to see, but clearly this wasn’t the loon I was expecting. The Photo ID on the Merlin app identified it as a red throated loon, apparently a bit unusual in our area. Some additional info at this Cornell link if you are interested…birder or not…..

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The Heart of St Peter’s Fiesta — pat morss

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The seine boat races, greasy pole, musical entertainment, carnival, and blessing of the fleet are all part of the annual 4 day celebration we revel in called St Peter’s Fiesta. But the Procession is the heart of what it’s all about.

St Peter leaving the Blessing at St Anne’s Church.
“Hey you, with the camera. Getting any good shots?”
Our Lady of the Voyage’s Madonna in solemn prayer.
Everyone is invited to join the famous icons.
A quick breather, to space out the floats and bands, heading up Prospect St.
Elaborate floats head toward Our Lady of the Voyage Church.
Down on Main St, the Oar Carriers break ranks to regroup on Rogers St.
St Peter’s Club triumphantly carries their namesake.
Make way for The Madonna, The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Tradition encourages the community to participate in the Procession.
Watchful eyes protect the offerings.
“And the band[s] played on.”

Boats and Birds — pat morss

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A mix of ocean and wildlife, as summer gains traction in unsettled weather.

If you’ve always wanted to own a cruise ship, Vantage Deluxe cruise line is for sale.
Oops! A bit of a tangle here.
Nice being out sailing again, greeting the commercial fleet at sea level.
7 Seas Whale Watch creating a surfable wake.
Transition from boat to bird.
A Red-tailed Hawk finds a good observation post.
Double-crested Cormorant relaxing on Niles Pond.
Brace Cove – time for Mallard family swimming lessons.
We’ll start with small waves for small ducklings.
One Great Egret to another – “This is my fishing territory.”
“OK, we’ll just agree to disagree.”

Life Goes On — pat morss

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Here’s an assortment of wildlife doing its thing.

There are lots of Cedar Waxwings this year.
And no shortage of Bunnies.
Our House Finch couple has eggs in its 2nd nest in the hanging Geranium.
The Turkey poults (chicks) by the driveway are cute at this young age.
But we still freak out Mom.
Deer are playing tag in the Audubon Sanctuary.
A Snowy Egret looks for fish in the Audubon marsh grass.
Canada Geese are rearing their young, across the road inside the breakwater.
Starlings discuss whether living on the ocean is all it’s cracked up to be.
There’s always one inquisitive duckling at Mallard nap time.
A Black-crowned Night Heron launches across Niles Pond with landing gear up.
Overhead the smaller birds (here, a Crow) are harassing the larger (Red-tailed Hawk).

Egrets and Herons — pat morss

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Egrets and Herons are favorites among our “large bird” seasonal residents.

“Eddy Egret” (Great White) flies in at low tide for some seafood.
It’s fun watching him take big wing-assisted hops from rock …
… to rock.
Then it’s all business when he finds a likely spot for fish.
He’s in head first when he sees one, …
… and makes a successful catch more often than not.
One of Eddy’s Snowy Egret cousins passes through.
Over on Niles Pond, Black-crowned Night Herons are around much of the year.
The young are well camouflaged before the foliage turns all green.
Yesterday, we came across an adult wrestling a bullfrog.
Looks like frog legs for lunch.

Bringing Up the Kids — pat morss

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The Mallard ducklings are here in force at Niles Pond and Brace Cove. They are in need of education.

Random distribution.
A loud ‘quack’ and they’re back in formation.
Practicing water running, while waiting for the wings to grow.
“You’re big enough now to learn about the dangers you’ll be facing.”
“Let’s take a walk while Mom’s resting.”
The rock climbing course.
Ridge riding.
Ready for the wave challenge.
Some of the older ducklings are brave, but the little ones are chicken.
“Where did the other kids go?”
“I told you not to swim away without telling me.”
But life is good when you’re young and innocent.

Quebec Getaway — pat morss

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Anne-Lise and I are back from a few days in Quebec City. It is a 7-hour drive from Gloucester, the same time as a flight to Paris, and the cities feel equally French. We walked familiar territory, and also discovered some new neighborhoods. And it was a culinary delight.

Le Chateau Frontenac and Vieux-Quebec sit atop the wall that wraps the old city.
The St Lawrence River, viewed from the path up to La Citadelle.
Looking down on the Coast Guard base.
Dufferin Terrasse, on the river side of Le Chateau Frontenac, is a popular board walk.
Entering the lobby offers a glimpse of life at the famous Canadian Grand Hotels.
As does a visit to the historic bar.
A portion of a large mural, on the way down to Quartier Petit-Champlain, below the wall.
Where there are many art galleries and antique stores.
The district is tourist centric.
But it is easy to find uncrowded streets throughout the city.
Bassin Louise is accessed from the river, through a protective lock.
In the basin, there is an extensive yacht marina, with views to Vieux-Quebec.
Other yachts wait to be launched for the season, in the shadow of the giant grain silos.
At Restaurant ARVI, an enthusiastic staff shares cooking, explaining, serving and dishwashing roles.
The 5-course menu (became 7) began with incredibly enhanced flounder.
And who could resist the addition of a foie gras sandwich?

Waiting for Ducklings — pat morss

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There’s a continuing lull in activity as we wait for the first ducklings and other young wildlife to come out of hiding.

Lazy days for Dad as Mom is on the nest, at Niles Pond.
A Red-winged Blackbird flashes its signature wing patch.
Grackle: “What do those big birds find so interesting in the ocean? Wish I could swim.”
Catbird: “So, are you looking at my chest or my back?”
A handsome male Goldfinch in his breeding plumage.
To some, he is apparently handsome as well.
FEMALE Alert!
“I know you put a snap hook on the cage door, but I can still steal suet, one bite at a time.”
On the water, Ardelle is taking visitors out again.
The Right Whale lobstering moratorium is over, so Lady J. is putting out her traps.
For real, or training, USCG searches hours after a body was recovered off Rafe’s Chasm.

“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” — pat morss

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We’re intrigued by the challenges around us. Look carefully for the crow in the last photo.

I’m not sure what the “Will” is with these Painted Turtles.
This is the “Way” to carry more cargo – but too many containers are lost at sea.
A limping coyote presses on in spite of its injury.
Fortunately, this Red-tail Hawk can still fly, while its wing feathers grow back.
Another Red-tail gets chased by a small, intrepid Red-winged Blackbird.
The Red-wing pursues it over to the Dog Bar breakwater.
And into the sky – “Don’t come back”
The USCG unceasingly trains for when accomplishing the near impossible will be expected.
A tree lends a limb to a leaning trunk.
A feeding Red-bellied Woopecker, with a Blue Jay incoming.
The Blue Jay gets its way.
The Crow says to the Egret: “Catch me a fish and I’ll bring you some garbage.”

Hammond Castle — pat morss

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We finally got back to visit Hammond Castle yesterday, on the Magnolia side of Gloucester Harbor, and to enjoy an exhibit (through the end of April) of paintings by Eric Pape, a friend of prolific inventor John Hays Hammond Jr, who built his medieval-theme home and museum in the late 1920s. There are guided tours, as well as an excellent self-guided tour pamphlet.

The just restored Cloister colonnade. Eastern Point is across the harbor at the left.
The Cloister from the ocean side.
Keyboard console for reportedly the largest private pipe organ in the western hemisphere.
Burmese Buddhist manuscript chest in an alcove of The Great Hall.
Faithful 17th C copy of original Italian 13th C “Rucellai Madonna of Florence.”
Eric Pape exhibit, ‘Natalie Hammond.’
Eric Pape exhibit. ‘Natalie Hammond, In the Orchard,’ center painting.
Dining Room with ocean and interior Courtyard views.
The War Room, with part of Eric Pape’s 22′ mural of an imaginary Gloucester sea battle.
Center mural detail. Hammond designed torpedoes that used his invention of radio control.
Clothing hanging in a corridor.
The Courtyard, interior skylit, and modeled on a 15th C French village.

Back to the Birds — pat morss

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Time to catch up on what’s been happening with the birds the last week or two.

A pair of Common Eiders swims on painted water in the inner harbor
A study in black and white
“Needle noggin” Eddy Egret looks headless
A female Brown-headed Cowbird waiting for a nest in which to park her intruding eggs
This Northern Harrier frequents the Audubon sanctuary
“You know it’s Goldfinch hour from1:00 until 2:00″
“I don’t know about you, but I think the sunflower seeds are a bit stale today”
Old saying: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”
“We’ve got the cars surrounded now”
“Looking down on my roof reflection is odd”
Car door reflection: “This guy looks like he means business”

Scallop Processing — pat morss

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‘Cape Ann Lobstermen,’ in East Gloucester, invited me for a close look earlier this week at how scallops are brought in and processed. The season opened April 1st and will only last 4-6 weeks. There are 70+ boats here rigged for scalloping, and most of them are visiting from Maine, and some from New Hampshire. Massachusetts and the Bay of Fundy reportedly have the best scallop grounds. Scallops are shucked on board (a permit requirement) and the quota is 200 pounds/vessel/day. I hope I have my facts correct.

After docking, a crew member on Beast of Burden jumps the drag gear
A receipt for the captain after scallops are off-loaded and weighed
Beast of Burden backs off to make room for …
… One More, which was waiting
Loading bags of shucked scallops into a bucket
Which is lifted onto the pier for individual bag weighing
Tallying weights before issuing the receipt
Next … Isla & Alanea moves in to dock
Lifting her catch up to the pier for weighing
Delivering the crated and iced bags into the processing building by forklift
Opening bags, sorting scallops by size, and re-bagging for wholesale auction
‘Cape Ann Lobstermen’ also buys from the boats and sells retail
The cycle repeats with the boats out day and night while the season lasts

Cape Ann Museum Exhibits — pat morss

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Last weekend we visited Cape Ann Museum (CAM), at Pat D’s GMG suggestion, to see an exhibit of the past decade’s work by our local painter Jeff Weaver. It didn’t disappoint, and we were also captivated by an exhibit of “windows” painted by third and eighth grade public school students, as part of the museum’s outreach program showcasing Cape Ann’s continuing legacy with the arts. We look forward to the major Edward Hopper exhibit of his Cape Ann work opening July 22, as we celebrate Gloucester’s 400+.

Welcome wall to Jeff Weaver’s exhibit
A winter view of Smith Cove and Gloucester Harbor from Banner Hill
A change to charcoal and pastel, at Ocean Alliance (former Paint Factory)
A fresh point of view at the popular Beacon Marine Basin
Across the hall was the Cape Ann student “windows” gallery
“Engaging the Community at CAM” with an accompanying video of the students
O’Maley students describe motivations behind some of their “windows”
A window panel by Gloucester’s O’Maley Innovation Middle School students
One of the Manchester Essex Regional Middle School panels
And one of a number of the Rockport Middle School panels