Gloucester Smiles-1365

Gloucester Smiles and Visitors

IMG_4454

From Salt Lake City Utah at Eastern Point

IMG_4523

G” smiles at Halibut Point

THE SMALL FLOCK OF FOUR BEAUTIFUL SWANS IS SETTLING IN

The flock of Mute Swans that arrived just about two weeks ago at Niles Pond is settling in. They are finding plenty to eat and spend their days foraging at pond vegetation, preening, napping, and occasionally stretching their wings for a flight around the pond.

Mute Swans migrate from body of water to body of water within a region. Will they stay in our area or is Niles Pond only a temporary home? When Niles Pond, and all other freshwater ponds and waterways freeze this winter, they will have to move to saltwater coves and harbors. 

The absence of Mr. Swan has allowed this small flock to live peaceably at Niles Pond. Mr. Swan and his previous mates spent the winters at Rockport and Gloucester Harbors. Perhaps our Niles Pond flock will do the same. We can tell by the lack of gray in their feathers that they are at least two years old, which means they have managed to survive at least one winter in our region. That is no small feat!

Romance is in the air with these two!

NILES POND SONGSTER

The melodious notes of the Song Sparrow are heard from sunup ’til sundown, spring, summer, and fall. Their beautiful song is most welcome, especially at this time of year when there are fewer songbirds on our shores and many that remain through the winter months don’t sing during the non-breeding season.

Song Sparrows have adapted to a wide variety of habitats. Despite the narrowness of the strip of land that separates freshwater Niles Pond from salty Brace Cove, Song Sparrows find plenty to forage on and excellent cover in the shrubby undergrowth found there.

Follow this link to hear the Song Sparrow’s song

 

Visitors to Gloucester-218

Visitors from Out of Town on the Water Shuttle, and out on Eastern Point

Waves Crash at Eastern Point Lighthouse

Family from Delaware enjoy the waves at the lighthouse

Visitors to Gloucester-209

From Cleveland, Houston, Michigan, Colorado, gentleman is a retired Dancing usher for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

My Zuiderdam Moments

The Schooner Ardelle being dwarfed, gig rowers at the break water, seagulls bidding farewell, and a young girl saluting the “Zuiderdam”.

Black Skimmers photos by Adrian Hewitt

Adrian shot these photos at Eastern Point at high tide, of two Black Skimmers feeding. See more about Black Skimmers at Audubon web site.

Blk Skim

Black Skimmers

BEAUTIFUL YACHT OFF EASTEN POINT

Curious about this boat, it’s just so beautiful!! Please write if you know the name and anything about it. Thank you 🙂