piping plovers on Coffins Beach: intertidal mile and they’re holdin’ on in Massachusetts

Posted on by Catherine

July 2016

Piping plovers have quite a story. In Massachusetts, the vast majority are south, Cape Cod and the islands. By the close of the 19th century, these birds were near extinction. They rebounded successfully by the 1950’s.

I spoke with Dave Rimmer of Essex County Greenbelt, Marion Larson with Ma Wildlife, Deborah Cramer and Chris Leahy. All of them have updates for GMG which I’ll add next. First,

Chris Leahy, MA Audubon, explained that a second age of precipitous piping plover decline occurred in the 1960s and 70s. What do you think it was?

Read on to find out.

Mass Audubon grabbed on and worked closely with many to solve the problem early. It turns out the population plummet correlated highly to a steep increase in vehicles driving on beaches. The baby fledglings could not climb out of wheel ruts and perished, or were squished by the next roaring set of wheels.

Not the only vehicles, but I do recall dune buggys everywhere,especially down the Cape. They were cool and celebrated in TV and film: Steve McQueen driving on Crane’s Beach (just past Coffins) in the Thomas Crown Affair,  Elvis through waves, Adam 12, Monkees, Bionic Woman, Speed Buggy /Scooby Doo, the list goes on and on.

“That was big!” said Leahy. “Once that connection was figured out, the goal was how to restrict vehicles.” Massachusetts is far and away a leader in piping plover conservation and decades later a nesting pair on Good Harbor Beach is a major insight into just how well Massachusetts has done. Piping plovers have nested on Coffins Beach before; Good Harbor, Lynn and Revere are relatively new.

Speed Buggy 1973

Photos Gloucester, Mass.:

Coffins Beach is a long, long stretch of wide open sandy seashore framed by dunes, sea and sky. Growing up, we called it the private side of Wingaersheek. I could hear piping plovers and saw two ‘in the zone’– the intertidal bit that is still wet at low tide and well under water at high tide. I didn’t see birds in the safe retreats by the upper part of the beach, but heard the melodious chirps that inspired their nickname.

Listen to the piping plover

 

20160715_144311

20160715_144131
Essex County Greenbelt protective measures in concert with  MA Wildlife
20160715_144153
dog prints by the rope fence
20160715_144704
saw 5 dogs on the beach
FHL coffins beach mfa
Fitz Hugh Lane, Coffins Beach, MFA

news from Greenbelt: 2016: 9 piping plover chicks on coffins beach

Great place to read a book.

Posted on by Bridgette Mathews

When I was down at the Little River Little Free Library opening the other day I couldn’t help take some shots of the river view.   What a perfect spot to sit and read for a bit!

BLM_2884-Edit-EditBLM_2887-Edit-Edit

Sails, Salt, Cigars and Rum

Posted on by Nichole S.

We had such a nice sail on the Thomas E. Lannon last night for the 8th Annual Cigar and Rum Cruise.  Much thanks to the crew of the Lannon, Ryan and Wood Distilleries, Paul Giacalone, and of course Joey, for making the night such a success.

Live Blogging The Lannon, Plus Ninety Cigars,  Ryan and Wood, GMG  Cigar and Rum Cruise 

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Every year it’s the same old story.  I tell everyone ahead of time to order your tickets fast because it always sells out fast and then the day of I get 20 phone calls asking me how they can get on the boat.  They get left out and the smart ones many returning Cigar and Rum Alumnus have gone on every single cruise because they book right away.  Aaaand once again at the end of the night everyone is patting each other on the back saying “Jesus wasn’t that awesome?”  “Best night of the summer.”  “I look forward to this every year”

All I can say is that if you missed out on a sail on the most beaufiul boat in Gloucester, look for the date for Felicia’s wine and food cruise coming up soon (date TBD).  Thanks Paul, Bobby, Heath, everyone that came out and the great crew on the Lannon.

Look for Nichole and Manny’s photos with lots of pictures of our Motley Crew in their respective posts.

Book a sail on the most beautiful boat in Gloucester Harbor, The Thomas E Lannon-

www.schooner.org

Smoke some of Paul Giacalone’s Awesome Plus Ninety Rated Cigars-

Plus Ninety Cigars On Facebook

Drink The Finest Distilled Spirits Hand Crafted Right here In Our Home Port- Ryan and Wood Distillers-

http://www.ryanandwood.com/

THREE ACTIONS WE CAN ALL TAKE TO HELP THE PIPING PLOVER CHICKS SURVIVE

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Piping Plover chicks nestlings -2 copyright Kim Smith 6-13-16ACTION NO. 1) HELP NEGATE THE LITTER PROBLEM

The number one threat to the Plover’s survival is the trash left on the beach. If you see someone littering, please remind them to clean up after themselves. Explain that we have a threatened species nesting on the beach and that the trash left behind attracts gulls and crows, which will undoubtedly eat the baby Plovers. Additionally, if you are so inclined and can lend a hand, please bring a trash bag and fill it on your way out. I know tons of friends already do this and it is a huge help. If more of us did it, and folks saw us doing it, they might be inspired not to leave theirs behind. If you see me on the beach filming, I now carry trash bags in my gear bag and would be happy to give you one. Getting rid of the trash on the beach doesn’t just help the Plovers, but all marine and wildlife.

ACTION NO. 2) HELP NEGATE THE THOUGHTLESS DOG OWNER PROBLEM

Inform the dog owner about the law. Explain to them that their dog, leashed or unleashed, can easily squish cotton-ball sized chicks. The babies are all over the beach now, not just in the roped off area. If the dog owner still disregards and if you can, take down their license plate number. I did it today for the first time and Diane, who is the animal control officer, just happened to be at the beach shortly after it happened. She asked for the information and studied the photo that I took to determine what type of dog.

ACTION NO. 3) HELP INFORM BEACH GOERS ABOUT THE CHICKS

The baby Plovers are at their most vulnerable in the first 10 to 14 days. As of this writing, all three chicks have survived the first three days, and that is nothing short of a miracle. The Plovers chicks are now running to the water’s edge. Please walk carefully on the beach and along the shoreline as they are not yet quick enough to get out of the way. Upload a photo of a Piping Plover chick to your phone and show it to folks on the beach. Explain that they aren’t much larger than a cotton ball. Additionally, David Rimmer, Director of Land Stewardship at Essex County Greenbelt, who was checking on the Plovers this morning, is concerned that a child may see a Plover chick and try to catch it. This has happened! In case of any kind of emergency situation such as this, David urges that the the Plover be place in the cordoned off area.

Thank you for you help, and the Piping Plovers thank you, too!

Piping Plover chicks nestlings copyright Kim Smith 6-14-16In the above photo you can see how tiny the Plover chick is in relation to the sunbather.

DSCF2770This woman claims she brings her dog every evening after five and states she has for fifteen years.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH2Fxq5jTdq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH2KACSD4T6/

MEET THE GOOD HARBOR BEACH PIPING PLOVER BABY CHICKS!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Please help get the word out that the Good  Harbor Piping Plover chicks have hatched and that they are extremely vulnerable. Feel free to share these photos on social media.Piping Plovers chicks nestlings babies Kim Smith

Monday Day One: Judging from when the nest was first spotted, I had a feeling the Plovers were going to hatch Monday. The morning was drizzly and foggy and it was difficult to see into the nest but there appeared to be more activity than usual. By the time I returned later in the afternoon it was a wonder and joy to see all three Plovers had hatched!

Unlike songbirds, the Piping Plover chicks leave the nest almost immediately. They are not fed by the adults and begin to forage for insects in the sand soon after hatching. Although only hours old, they can run, and run they do, looking mostly like jet propelled cotton balls.

Piping Plovers chicks nestlings babes copyright Kim Smith 6-11-16

The chicks snuggle under Dad. Both Mom and Dad take turns guarding the nestlings, in thirty minute intervals, just as they did when on the nest waiting for the babies to hatch. 

Piping Plover chicks Mom Dad copyright Kim Smith 6-12-16Dad (left) and Mom (right) changing guard.

Tuesday Day Two:

Piping Plover chicks nestlings -3 copyright Kim Smith 6-12-16Miniature rockets zooming over miniature sand mounds, running so fast, they’ll often land in a face plant.  I captured a somersault on film!Piping Plover chicks nestlings copyright Kim Smith 6-12-16

Nature’s camouflage in hues of sand and dune.

Piping Plover chicks nestlings -2 copyright Kim Smith 6-12-16

Mom and chick, all three survive day number two!

Read More Here Continue reading “MEET THE GOOD HARBOR BEACH PIPING PLOVER BABY CHICKS!” →

DIVA at 161 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Been very curious about the DIVA store on Main Street. Decided to go in on Thursday and was overwhelmed how beautiful the store is set up. DIVA stands for Donna’s Infinite Variety of Adornments. The merchandise is fabulous and fun. They have fabulous antiques, vintage, estate and contemporary designer jewelry. When on Main Street go in to DIVA and meet the owner Donna Soodalter-Toman and Tracy and do some great shopping.

Contact information of DIVA is 978-879-4119
http://www.AdornmentDIVA.com
or email AdornmentDiva@aol.com

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dance the night away at the Dave Sag’s Blues Party tonight with Steve Sadler, Jimmy Scoppa and Mr. Jeff Casper @ The Rhumb Line 8:30pm 7.14.2016

Posted on by Joanne

dave-sag-rl-10.29.205

We’re having a guitar extravaganza this Thursday. I’m calling’ in the big guns for a battle plan.
First, We got the commodious Mr. Steve Sadler and his willfully meandering slide catarrh in the top spot. He sings, he plays anything;  he does it all.

 

steve-sadler

On the other side, there’s Mr. Jim Scoppa, guitarist non pareil,  with his gas-fired style and smoking amplifier. Mr. Andrew “Pops” Jones will be freaking out on the drums. I’ll be in the middle with a bunch of new toons to torture you with. Ask your doctor if The Rhumb Line is right for you!

rl

40 Railroad Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 283-9732

http://www.therhumbline.com/

Freevolt Tonight 6pm Harbor Loop Summer Concert Series 2016 July 14th…dancing…there will be…

Posted on by Joanne

freevolt harbor loop

http://www.enjoyfreevolt.com/

*as always, weather permitting.

harbor loop 2016 n

https://www.facebook.com/HarborLoopConcerts2016/?fref=ts

Gloucester portraits: Good Harbor Beach piping plover and David Rimmer Essex County Greenbelt with an Edward Hopper house. And Leon Kroll double bridge.

Posted on by Catherine

There are more than 110 portraits of the City of Gloucester by the American artist Edward Hopper. There are a few 1923 Good Harbor Beach scenes including one with Jo Nivison seated sketching, and in the distance Bass Rocks and a ‘Hopper’ house. That vista was already a Gloucester motif.

Copy of Edward Hopper all around Gloucester MA (more than 90 works) (73)

piping plover with Hopper house

20160714_070910(0)

Dave with Hopper house

20160714_072617
Dave with Hopper house                                                                                                                                  David Rimmer, Director of Land Stewardship, Essex County Greenbelt monitoring piping plovers 2016, Good Harbor Beach.

 

 

Eleven years before the image of Jo sketching, Hopper painted the other side of Good Harbor (Brier Neck) when he first came to New England. Leon Kroll painted two pedestrian bridges on the Bass Rocks side of the beach that same year.

Copy of Edward Hopper all around Gloucester MA (more than 90 works) (75)

Note the double bridges on Good Harbor.

Leon Kroll 1912 double bride 26 x 32 oil on

Leon Kroll, 1912, oil on canvas, (Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester) 26 x 32

 

Leon Kroll 1912 oil on canvas 26 x 32 sold at Sothebys 2011 bridge at bass rocks informal title 170,500
Leon Kroll 1911, 26 x 32 oil on canvas (Bridge at Bass Rocks) sold at Sotheby’s auction in 2011 for $115,700
8 point 5 by 10 three quarters 1912 leon kroll
Leon Kroll, 1912 oil on panel, 8.5 x 11-3/4

 

Knoll also painted Niles and Pavilion. He kept returning to Gloucester; eventually his family purchased a home in Folly Cove in 1932. Learn more at Cape Ann Museum and see Kroll works of art on display.

Leon Kroll Niles Beach 26 x 32
Leon Kroll, Niles Beach 1913

Copy of Edward Hopper all around Gloucester MA (more than 90 works) (74)

Copy of Edward Hopper all around Gloucester MA (more than 90 works) (71)