Author: patmorss

Essex River Cruise — pat morss

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At Pat D’s suggestion a few days ago on GMG, Anne-Lise and I took one of the last afternoon Essex River Cruises before they closed this weekend for the winter.

Starting down the river from the Essex causeway, toward Essex Bay and the Atlantic.
Cormorants, who may have beheaded this owl “scarecrow.”
One of several Great Blue Herons along the shore.
A family out on the river enjoying the last warm weather.
A couple of clam diggers, with the Castle Hill Crane Estate beyond, on Plum Island
Soaking up the sun on a sandbar, exposed at low tide.
Kayakers on Essex Bay heading out to fish; Atlantic beyond.
Around the corner from Wingarsheek and Coffins Beaches, Annisquam.
Turning back inland, Cormorants take over a sandbar beach.
Our guests view ruins along privately owned Corn Island as the sun gets lower.
A clam digger gets to appreciate the fall colors.
This is back-breaking work.
Back at the dock, just before sunset, and Halloween.

Two Sides of the Dike — pat morss

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The causeway separates salt water Brace Cove from brackish Niles Pond, creating two diverse environments.

A young Great Black-backed Gull and Ring-billed Gulls share Brace Cove beach.
A seal out in the cove has a long wait for low tide to haul out on a rock.
Another Great Black-backed Gull swims contentedly next to the breakwater.
Gulls adapt equally well to Niles Pond, which is starting to show its fall colors.
Painted Turtles enjoy the sun on a favorite rock.
An American Black Duck, protective of his family, lets me know he sees me.
Two American Coots struggle to untangle breakfast.
A Ruddy Duck resurfaces near the middle of its dive circle.
This female Mallard decides it’s time for a duck dunk.
And water rolls right off her back.
Standing up to dry off.
It takes flapping to dry the wings.
That refreshing feeling.
So nearby, why is he so sad?

Water Birds — pat morss

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Some real water birds, and some others that just like getting wet.

One of two chunky American Coots, standing on an underwater Niles Pond rock.
Bottoms up – A Mallard pair enjoying the “All you can eat” underwater salad bar.
Dad is up for air.
And Mom is too. Now repeat for dessert.
Eddy Egret has found some kind of eel-like fish at low tide. [Enlarge these 2 photos]
The eel hasn’t given up, as it’s swallowed.
Near our feeders, House Sparrows test the waters.
Not too deep. Nice and warm. A test splash.
How about a group splash?
You two take a swim. I’ll stand guard.

CAPA 2023 Quick Draw — pat morss

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This is Cape Ann Plein Air week, and I always enjoy the Quick Paint that gathers the artists together in a concentrated area to produce their paintings in just 2-hours.

The venue was all of Harbor Loop, but most artists favored Maritime Gloucester’s docks.
The deck overlooking Maritime Gloucester had a great vantage point.
It’s fun watching how different artists interpret a similar view, here with an hour still to go.
As a backdrop, schooner Adventure offers inspiration.
Concentration and discipline are the name of the game.
Even her special mittens are part of the composition.
Lynx sits across the harbor, docked at Ocean Alliance’s headquarters, the Paint Factory.
Beth is pleased with her version of Lynx and the Paint Factory.
Some of the artists test their balance on the floating dock.
With 10-minutes to go, finishing touches are applied to Adventure’s gunwale.
And the bell rings – “Put down your brushes.”
Framing, judging, and a public sale followed at the tent for both CAPA and guest artists.

Rescue at Eastern Point Breakwater 10/8/23–pat morss

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Here is a documentary photo taken by our close friend Tina Snider, who lives in view of the Eastern Point Dog Bar Breakwater. We don’t have a lot of details, but she caught this photograph of reportedly a pregnant visitor, one of two women being rescued after being swept off the breakwater by a wave late this morning.

Hank and Eddy are in Residence — pat morss

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We’re pleased to announce that Hank Heron (The Great Blue) and Eddy Egret (The Great White) are back in fall residence next to our house.

Hank Heron spends his days on various branches of the same tree.
Much of the time napping. He’s not missing half of his right leg (enlarge photo).
Some days he brings a friend with him, who leaves early.
“Why are you staring at me? I’m dealing with an uncomfortable fall molt.”
He does his best to get his remaining feathers in order before heading out to hunt.
He’s a bit awkward, taking off daily around 5:00 pm, before sunset.
Out for dinner, like every evening.
Meanwhile, Eddy Egret is dancing around the rocks at low tide looking for snacks.
He’s a seasoned and efficient fisherman.
Seemingly coming up, at will, with fish that blend in with the seaweed. (enlarge)
There’s nothing like a good shake, wet dog style, after lunch.
“Now I feel much better.”
“Tell me honestly – what do you think about my feathers, compared with Hank’s?”
Time to move on with the tide coming in.
The ‘Concorde’ gains speed and altitude. “See you tomorrow.”

Miscellaneous and a Hurricane — pat morss

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A few photos that didn’t fit my earlier themes, and Hurricane Lee.

I’m gonna be out-a balance growing only one antler.
Giant Barnstable (MA) shell from Beauport Hotel Oystrer Bar. I didn’t order a half dozen.
A reminder on the corner at Ocean Alliance – what to expect from hurricanes this century.
Super Blue Moon (2nd in 1 month) setting behind the Eastern Point Light radio tower.
A Garter Snake wants to come in to watch the Labor Day schooner races.
Rods at the ready on Wicked Tuna TV series boat ‘Hot Tuna,’ in Smith Cove.
Artist studio (?) overlooking Smith Cove, on Rocky Neck.
Magnificent mushrooms enjoying the wet weather.
“Red sun at night, sailor’s delight.” Really? Just before Hurricane Lee hit.
Lee wasn’t intimidating on our “lee” shore.
Swells from the east were countered by the northwest wind.
Winding down with a quiet sunset.

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.