Good Morning Gloucester

It might not come to mind first when you think Margarita Monday, but it’s well worth a spot on your list: George’s on Washington St. We enjoyed a late lunch accompanied by a strawberry margarita at the bar and we will be doing that again it was so much fun! It happened to be pretty quiet in there when we stopped by but that didn’t stop the level of the service or meal enjoyment. I had a fajita bowl and Jim enjoyed his quesadilla.

August 24, 2024 ~ Sawyer Free Library

Thursday, August 29, 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison at Sawyer Free Library

How many different bird species could you dream of seeing, capturing a sound recording of, or photographing, from January 1 to December 31 of any given year? Have you ever considered doing an ABA (American Birding Association) Birding Big Year? How about a county or statewide Big Year? Why would you want to even do one? How does one plan out all the logistics to ensure that each of the important states are visited at the most opportune times? Can you do this alone, or do you need to seek out help? If you find yourself asking any of these questions, or are just interested in birds and birding, read on!

On August 29th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, the Sawyer Free Library will host Rarified Air – One Passionate Birders’ Big Year Quest, with Gene (Gino) Ellison.

Come and meet Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison, and see tons of beautiful bird photographs, while also hearing one birder’s tale about a 12-month quest of a life time. Learn about the mishaps, the successes, the lessons learned along the way, the hilarious birding stories, the new life-time friends made on the journey, and the joy of reporting 801 bird species during 2023! 

Be warned… if you attend, you just might get the urge to plan a Big Year yourself! 

This will be a 1 hour presentation, followed by a brief question and answer session*.

More about Gino:

Eugene (Gino) Ellison, is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Kate (38 years) and they have three fun kids and four active grandkids. Gino is now retired from the investment business as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. Gino has been affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for over 25 years and still makes several store appearances each year. Gino is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and passionate birder who leads dozens of walks in Massachusetts. He greatly enjoys volunteering with Mass Wildlife and with Mass Audubon at their family birding and fishing events. Gino just completed a successful ABA Birding Big Year in 2023 and is scheduled to speak at birding festivals and clubs around New England and nationwide.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street located in downtown Gloucester. No registration is needed. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Rarified Air: One Passionate Birder’s Big Year Quest with Gino Ellison 

 This is a peaceful walk among the luminaries in remembrance of those we’ve lost to substance use and support for the families (our community members) that they left behind. Canned goods welcome at the event & will be donated to Open Door. Help always needed with set up 3:30 on) and breakdown (8ish on – goes quicker than set up). 

Yeti quality/Thirsty Seagull price!

Keep your cold drinks icy cold. Keep your hot drinks piping hot!

Link to purchase- https://square.link/u/08FbKPxa

Gloucester’s upcoming Schooner Festival on Labor Day Weekend is an annual sign that summer is coming to an end. And there are other signs.

Double Take…

Some favorite night time images on the water that I thought you might like. The lights one the dark water are among my favorites. Darkness can make the common seem uncommon.

Split Screen…

I got tipped off that the Ernestina Morrissey was at the Railways on Rocky Neck getting some TLC (thank you Liz). While there, I met up with Janet, a loyal FOB and fellow schooner fan. What a joy to be included in tips, greeted warmly at a photo location AND up close and personal with a massive schooner! We love where we live.