Tag: Ocean Alliance

OCEAN ALLIANCE’S IAIN KERR TO APPEAR ON BBC BLUE PLANET LIVE!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns


Amy Kerr writes the following:

Below is a message from Iain, who is in the Sea of Cortez preparing for the BBC’s “Blue Planet Live” for this Wednesday and Sunday. He said he’d never do a live show with whales again, but here we are! The following are his instructions on how to watch outside of the UK (4:00 EST?), and if you can figure them out and DO you are a good good friend. At the very least, send him your positive whale-y, snotty thoughts!

Dear Friends,

Chris, Andy and I have just arrived in Loreto. We are pretty damn excited to be taking part in the BBC Blue Planet Live Series. You can find more information on the show here: BBC Blue Planet Live. As I understand it the first show went live today, with Chris Packham and the crew in San Ignacio Lagoon. I have it on good faith that Chris was downwind of a grey whale and he got Snotted!

I am also excited but terrified to report that they have asked me to take part in the additional 4th live show on Sunday. So you can catch us on live TV on Wednesday the 27th (SnotBot with blue whales….🤞🤞) and Sunday 31st of March, EarBot and Humpback whales (🤞🤞).  Right now my biggest concern is finding whales and good weather, preferably both at the same time, then of course not making a fool of myself on live TV.

For those of you not in England, there is a way to watch the show live on your computer, Chris says you have to get a VPN, which before last week I had never heard of.  In short if the BBC website thinks that your computer is in England it will let you watch the show.  

Clearly if you can’t watch the show live I am sure BBC will put it up on their website so I will send that information out next week.

So here we go – Get a VPN

  1. Download NordVPN 7 day free trial (https://free.nordvpn.com/trial/)
    1. Make sure to remember to cancel before the 7th day to avoid being charged $100+ for the 3 year subscription
    2. Alternatively, you can buy one month for $11.99
  2. After you’ve signed up for the trial, download and install the VPN app on your computer https://ucp.nordvpn.com/downloads
  3. Open the VPN app, log into your account
  4. Search for “United Kingdom” server in the country list
    1. Once connected to a server, now the internet thinks you are in the UK

Create BBC account

  1. Go to BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer)
  2. Register for an account (https://account.bbc.com/signin)
  3. Choose United Kingdom as your country, and put in a UK postal code, this one should work: SW191AA
  4. Verify your email address with the email sent to you after registering

Watch BBC ONE

  1. Log back into BBC iPlayer and search for Blue Planet Live if it already aired, or if you’re trying to watch live go to channels and click on BBC ONE, then click “watch live”
  2. When asked if you have a TV License, click YES
  3. Press play
    1. If you get a message that says “This content doesn’t seem to be working” – go back to your VPN app and click United Kingdom again, it will give you a new server number, refresh BBC iPlayer and try again. You might need to try a few different UK servers before you get one that works.

I will try to send out a few blogs from our time here, until then….

Best Fishes from Loreto.

Iain

Great video from Iain Kerr from Ocean Alliance

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

This video from Iain Kerr will make you smile.  Humpback whales

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/tSIu6cpy-6FCAlq5p

Great info from Iain Kerr from Ocean Alliance

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Take a look at these awesome photos of the humpback whales ..  amazing.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

SnotBot DR Blog 3 – Everything we had hoped for!

 It gives me great pleasure to advise you that our last 3 days on the water have been fantastic, each day better than the previous. The weather has fallen into a typical trade wind scenario, calm in the early morning and picking up as the day goes on. We were on the boat this morning by 6:15 and had the pleasure of watching a sunrise at sea (with a whale of course).

 Today we had our 1st sample by 7:15 am and had our 9th sample by 9:00 am, by 12:30 (when the winds picked up) we had collected a total of 14 samples bringing our expedition total to 54. Our goal was 50 samples, so we are now ahead of the game with 3 days to go. As the sun rose we were with a mother, calf and escort, we collected two Snot samples from each whale so we could have comparable samples, then we collected another sample from each whale flying at a higher altitude than the first set so that we can try to determine what effect height might have on the success/productivity of the biological data (snot) that gets onto the dish.

Angie Sremba is here from Dr. Scott Bakers lab at Oregon State, Angie has been focusing on the DNA analysis. She brought us some exciting information with regards to how our biological data capabilities have (successfully) evolved over time. It is important to remember here that part of this whole process is developing the collection tools and protocols and while Dr. Bakers lab is developing the preservation and analysis protocols. In summary 2016 we had a 39% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 55% success rate on the mitochondrial DNA. In 2018 we had a 92% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 96% success rate with the mitochondrial DNA. This is clearly exciting as it demonstrates that we are learning and getting better on all fronts.

 Another exciting data point today was the collection of some whale feces, the whales here are not feeding so it is unusual to find feces in this location. I think this is another amazing benefit of using drones for whale research, the drone saw the whale defecation (look very carefully for the brown stain in the last photo) and Britta and Andy were ready to collect it. This will prove invaluable in trying to put into context the hormone levels that we collect in the blow.   We had a number of fun whale moments today but one of the best ones was a mother and calf lob tailing together (lifting their tails up and crashing them down onto the water). The mother would throw her tail down with an enormous crash and then the baby would do the same hardly making a splash. Andy caught one of these moments on camera (see attached photo).

Today we also did some sea trials with EarBot, after this expedition I will have four days at home and then Chris and I go to Cabo San Lucas with EarBot to work on a BBC special, so we need to make sure that EarBot is in tip top shape.

 Last but not least I am happy to report that this blog is supported by some amazing photos from Christian Miller and Andy Rogan.

  Best Fishes from the DR.

 Iain

 Iain Kerr

Cell: 978 760 1784

http://www.whale.org

 

 

Today’s paper | #GloucesterMA Ocean Alliance in the news and update from DR

Posted on by Catherine
IMG_20190306_142919
Sean Horgan article for Gloucester Daily Times “Ocean Alliance Planning Innovation Center at Paint Factory” includes rendering of restoring 2 former sites for new use

View past Paint Factory Ocean alliance _20190306_Gloucester MA_© catherine ryan

March 5, 2019 Message from Iain Kerr – update on Ocean Alliance research trip off the coast of the Dominican Republic studying breeding humpback whales 

“It gives me great pleasure to advise you that our last 3 days on the water have been fantastic, each day better than the previous. The weather has fallen into a typical trade wind scenario, calm in the early morning and picking up as the day goes on. We were on the boat this morning by 6:15 and had the pleasure of watching a sunrise at sea (with a whale of course).

Today we had our 1st sample by 7:15 am and had our 9th sample by 9:00 am, by 12:30 (when the winds picked up) we had collected a total of 14 samples bringing our expedition total to 54. Our goal was 50 samples, so we are now ahead of the game with 3 days to go. As the sun rose we were with a mother, calf and escort, we collected two Snot samples from each whale so we could have comparable samples, then we collected another sample from each whale flying at a higher altitude than the first set so that we can try to determine what effect height might have on the success/productivity of the biological data (snot) that gets onto the dish.

Angie Sremba is here from Dr. Scott Bakers lab at Oregon State, Angie has been focusing on the DNA analysis. She brought us some exciting information with regards to how our biological data capabilities have (successfully) evolved over time. It is important to remember here that part of this whole process is developing the collection tools and protocols and while Dr. Bakers lab is developing the preservation and analysis protocols. In summary in 2016 we had a 39% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 55% success rate on the mitochondrial DNA. In 2018 we had a 92% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 96% success rate with the mitochondrial DNA. This is clearly exciting as it demonstrates that we are learning and getting better on all fronts.

Another exciting data point today was the collection of some whale feces, the whales here are not feeding so it is unusual to find feces in this location. I think this is another amazing benefit of using drones for whale research, the drone saw the whale defecation (look very carefully for the brown stain in the last photo) and Britta and Andy were ready to collect it. This will prove invaluable in trying to put into context the hormone levels that we collect in the blow. 

We had a number of fun whale moments today but one of the best ones was a mother and Calf lob tailing together (lifting their tails up and crashing them down onto the water). The mother would throw her tail down with an enormous crash and then the baby would do the same hardly making a splash. Andy caught one of these moments on camera (see attached photo).

Today we also did some sea trials with EarBot, after this expedition I will have four days at home and then Chris and I go to Cabo San Lucas with EarBot to work on a BBC special, so we need to make sure that EarBot is in tip top shape. Last but not least I am happy to report that this blog is supported by some amazing photos from Christian Miller and Andy Rogan.

I fly out on Thursday, so I plan to do one more blog tomorrow. I hope to report on some more EarBot and Hydrophone recordings so I can attach some Humpback whale songs from the DR, and attach a few more amazing photos.

Best Fishes from the DR. 

Iain Kerr http://www.whale.org

ARKR2117
“We had a number of fun whale moments today but one of the best ones was a mother and Calf lob tailing together (lifting their tails up and crashing them down onto the water). The mother would throw her tail down with an enormous crash and then the baby would do the same hardly making a splash.” courtesy photo by Andy Rogan for Ocean Alliance

 

courtesy photos for Ocean Alliance by Christian Miller:

 

From our friend Iain Kerr Ocean Alliance

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Dear Friends,

Here we go again! The Parley SnotBot team is off on expedition, we’re taking along some other ‘Bots and will be having some long distance chats!

This time we’re in the Dominican Republic (DR), visiting the breeding / calving grounds of the North West Atlantic humpback whales (photo 1). I was first here in the 1990’s aboard the RV Siben and then the RV Odyssey so it is great to be back. This location and this group of whales is very special to us, because while the humpbacks mate and give birth in the waters off the DR, some of them migrate up the East Coast of the U.S. to spend their summers feeding on Stellwagen Banks, right off the coast from our headquarters in Gloucester, Mass. (Photo 2)

During Expedition 9 we took the Parley SnotBot out to study and collect (Exhaled Breath Condensate) “Snot” samples from the Gloucester population of humpbacks and we’re very excited to bring all of our skills and tools to bear to add what knowledge we can, about these whales in their winter grounds.

As with every Parley SnotBot expedition, this one started out with us at the airport with a ridiculous number of bags (total of 20 bags with 2 carry on’s each ☹). We flew Boston to Miami, Miami to Santo Domingo where we picked up a rental mini van. We then drove for almost 3 hours to our Air B&B accommodation (Photo 3) in Samana. Six people and twenty bags was a bit of a squeeze in the mini van. So when we got to Samana Chris and I removed some of the chairs from the mini-van to make it a bit more SnotBot friendly (Photo 4).

In addition to SnotBot, we are putting energy into another member of the Drones For Whale Research family while we are in the DR EarBot. EarBot was first seen in Alaska in 2016 and 2017 (photo 5). While our other drone work has kept us busy, our Robotics manager Chris Zadra has given EarBot some much needed TLC over the last few months and we are excited to be putting EarBot back to work to record humpback whale songs in the DR.  As well as doing some behavioral studies and working with regional scientists monitoring the whale watch industry here we will also be doing photogrammetry work (measuring the size of whale with a drone) using our LIDAR array (photo 6) mounted on one of our Inspire 2 drones.

We have a bigger team here this year as we continue to try to improve Parley SnotBot and our Drones for Whale Research program. The team from past expeditions are Iain Kerr, Andy Rogan, Christian Miller & Chris Zadra. Now we have Ocean Alliance staff member Britta Akerley helping Andy with the science and data and Angie Sremba from Dr. Scott Bakers lab at Oregon State.  Angie has been doing most of the DNA analysis of our Snot samples so we thought it important for her to see the collection process. Next week Ainsley Smith from Gloucester will be joining us to be trained on our data protocols and management. As if this was not enough we will be joined by Germany’s largest TV network ZDF (https://www.zdf.de) to shoot a documentary short.

We did get out on the water today but it was blowing close to 20 knots (photo 7) which like Gabon makes the work more challenging. To try and beat these trade winds the plan is to be on the boat tomorrow at 6:00 am (before sunrise) and be with the whales as the sun rises – hopefully we will have some spectacular photos and will be able to collect plenty of Snot before the wind picks up (fingers crossed).

Last but not least I am excited to report that these blogs are going Live! Our good friends at Maritime Gloucester will host an evening with a live discussion from the DR with the Parley SnotBot team along with live and archival footage.  We hope that we can share some of the expedition excitement and let people know what it is like to be working in the field and answer a few questions….LIVE. If you live near Gloucester, please come on down and be part of the conversations at Maritime Gloucester on Sunday March 3rd, you can Register here. Next time we do Expedition Live we hope to webcast as well but for this first one we are trying to keep it simple as we can.

So once again we will be keeping busy, that said I am sure we will have some great stories to tell along with Christian Miller’s stunning photos.

As always thanks again to our partners and expedition supporters Parley.

Onwards Upwards and Fair Winds from the Dominican Republic!

Iain

Iain Kerr

http://www.whale.org

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SnotBot Live! Sunday at 5pm

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

The Ocean Alliance research team will be chatting live from the Dominican Republic. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the humpback whales that feed off of Cape Ann and ask all your SnotBot questions.

The Event is FREE, please RSVP to reserve your seat. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snotbot-live-tickets-57096562355SnotBot Live Poster

 

 

 

Oh what view from the Ocean Alliance

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

The light and view from The Ocean Alliance was so beautiful on Thursday at dusk.

THERE’S MORE TO SEA II

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Have plans for the weekend, come on over to the Paint Factory, Ocean Alliance for a great Art Show.

THERE IS MORE TO SEA II/ call for artists

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

After a successful THERE IS MORE TO SEA I, there will be another on October 5, 2018 – October 7, 2018.

There’s More to Sea II

Friday, October 5, Opening Reception with Artists 6-9 pm
Saturday October 6 – Sunday October 7, 12-6 pm
Gloucester Paint Factory to Benefit Ocean Alliance

Call for Entry:
Receiving: Thursday, October 4, 4-7 pm and Friday, October 5, 12-2pm
Pick up: Sunday October 7, 6-8 pm
Reception: Friday October 5, 6-9 pm

Entry Fee:
– $30 for three pieces.
– Entrants may also submit up to 6 matted and sleeved prints for bin work.
– Entry will be capped when space is filled.
– Entry based on first come, first paid of entry fee.
– Items should be ready to hang.

– Six foot tables are available for artists with table pieces. $30 for full table, $15 for half table. First come, first serve.

Entry Fee payable to Jessica Biker at 7 Morton Place, Gloucester MA

Entry Deadline: September 29
– Please include show entry form with entry fee or by email.

THERE’S MORE TO SEA II – ARTIST ENTRY FORM

NAME

PHONE                                                      EMAIL

ADDRESS
Please complete form below for all work. Please provide height and length of hanging pieces (including frame, if applicable).
Title Media Type Height Length Price

 

Title Media Type Height Length Price
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

Sales:
– All items submitted must be for sale.
– 20% of all sales will go to the Ocean Alliance and Restoration of the Gloucester Paint Factory.

The “There is More to Sea” organizers will take reasonable care in handling and showing exhibitor’s work. The exhibiting artist understands and agrees that all works are exhibited at their own risk. The “There is More to Sea” organizers and Ocean Alliance do not carry insurance for the artwork and do not assume responsibility for any loss, damage, or theft of work during the event. By participating in the show, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

Questions: Jessica Biker – jessicaabiker@gmail.com, Melissa Cox – mcoxward2@gmail.com

Goetemann Artist DEBORAH REDWOOD to Construct a Large Whale’s Fluke at Ocean Alliance

Posted on by Catherine

News from Rocky Neck:

Goetemann Artist to Construct a Large Whale’s Fluke
Artist Talk: Tuesday, September 4, 7:00 PM
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Public Construction Dates: September 10 ­ 28
On the Grounds of Ocean Alliance, 32 Horton Street, Gloucester, MA
Closing Talk: Friday, September 28, 6:00 PM
On the Grounds of Ocean Alliance, 32 Horton Street Gloucester, MA

Gloucester Ma—The Goetemann Artist Residency—a program of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Inc. that provides artists from around the world a live/work space for a month at a time—is pleased to introduce its 2018 Environmental/Installation Artist, Australian Deborah Redwood.

To be considered for the 2018 month-long residency, artists submitted a proposal responding to the mission of Ocean Alliance, RNAC’s non-profit partner, which states in part: “Ocean Alliance strives to increase public awareness of the importance of whale and ocean health through research and public education.”

Redwood is the second Goetemann resident to work at the site following last year’s installation of a seven-foot tall Great Auk by Nathan Thomas Wilson. Redwood’s practice encompasses sculpture and installation that evokes a sense of play and comments on society’s waste. She graduated from the College of Fine Arts (Sydney) in 2006 and was awarded a one-year exchange program at Alfred University, in New York.

Beginning September 10 and continuing through September 28, visitors are invited to stroll down Horton Street to observe the artist while she constructs a large whale’s fluke (part of a whale’s tail) on the grounds of Ocean Alliance, site of the former Tarr and Wonson Paint Factory at 32 Horton Street, Gloucester. Using equipment donated by J&L Welding in Gloucester, Redwood will collect scrap metal and weld it into a sculpture rising about ten feet above the water’s edge. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an artistic experience with children while making them aware of the fragility of life in our oceans. Printed information about the artist and her process will be available on site.

Deborah Redwood is the latest artist at the Goetemann Residency and the public is invited to learn more about her work when she presents an Artist Talk on Tuesday, September 4, at 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.

For the past decade Redwood has participated in group and solo exhibitions in Australia and overseas, including; Japan, China, India and the USA.  She has also attended several artist-in-residence programs, in New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, Jaipur (India), Wellington (NZ), Sydney and now, Gloucester, MA. This challenging month-long project wraps up with a Closing Talk by the artist for the public at the Ocean Alliance site (weather permitting) on Friday, September 28 at 6:00 PM.

Images:

Deborah Redwood – Spiraling Shell

Deborah Redwood – Starfish at Killalea

Deborah Redwood – At Work

 

 

 

There’s More to Sea

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

JULY 27, 2018
Friday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

JULY 28, 2018
SATURDAY, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
.
JULY 29, 2018
SUNDAY, 9:00 – 5:00 PM

Ocean Alliance
32 Horton St, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930

Ocean Alliance Harbor Cruise Fundraiser

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Hope to see you on the Ocean Alliance Harbor Cruise on Thursday! There are still some tickets remaining. We have great raffle items donated from many local businesses. Purchase your tickets here: https://shop.whale.org/products/ocean-alliance-harbor-cruise

OA fundraising cruise_Final flier

Follow Ocean Alliance on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/oceanalliance/

Save the Date- June 15th

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Save the date, the unveiling of the I Am More opening exhibit is just 15 days away!

Come down to Ocean Alliance at the Paint Factory on Friday June 15th from 7-10pm for the opening reception. Gallery hours will be June 16th & 17th 9-5pm

Learn more about the I Am More portraits at Amy Kerr’s website: https://amykerrdrawsportraits.wordpress.com

I Am More flyer jpeg.jpg

Massachusetts Whale Trail #whaletrailMA and more in Gloucester

Posted on by Catherine

The Massachusetts Whale Trail “is a special collection of museums and attractions, whale watching, and historic sites and tours with a connection to whales.” Capt Bill & Sons, 7 Seas Whale Watch, and Cape Ann Whale Watch are included.

WhaletrailMA

Naturally, Gloucester had created a version on the HarborWalk which you can find on line or on the trail at marker #36 right by Tonno Restaurant, Gloucester, MA.  Whale watching is beloved here in town. The Gloucester HarborWalk has whale watch information, points of interest and a tab to all the local whale watching  companies.”Most offer daily whale watching trips from April through October.”

SEVEN SEAS WHALE WATCH +1 (888) 283-1776
CAPE ANN WHALE WATCH +1 (800) 877-5110
CAPT BILL & SONS +1 (800) 339-4253
YANKEE FLEET +1 (978) 283-0313

When O’Maley 6th graders study Gloucester and visit the HarborWalk, the student thank you drawings featured whale tails and spouting whales. It’s common for local kids to be invited to birthday parties on whale watch trips.  Donna Ardizzoni photographed and wrote about her Right Whale sightings from shore spring 2018, and more whale sightings around town. Parsons Street wall Mural (by the Fish Net HarborWalk street mural) was painted by local kids under the direction of Cape Ann Art Haven and features a great whale.

20170925_085547

 

Ocean Alliance headquarters is located in Gloucester. Kim Smith posted the announcement for its most recent National Geographic special. 

Maritime Museum (opening May 26) and Cape Ann Museum are included on the new Whale Trail map. Cape Ann Museum collection includes Hartley’s study for Whales Jaw Dogtown

Hartley-WhalesJaw collection CAPE ANN MUSEUM Gloucester Mass

Stores along Main Street and throughout Gloucester’s neighborhoods have art and goods inspired by whales. Look for hand carved wood sculptures at Willow Rest. Savour Wine & Cheese, Gloucester, MA

 

 

 

OCEAN ALLIANCE APPEARING ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND RECEIVES A WEBBY ALL IN ONE WEEK!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Congratulations to Iain Kerr and Ocean Alliance!

Iain writes,

“On Monday April 30th 10:00 pm East Coast time our 2017 Sea of Cortez, Parley SnotBot field season will be featured in the National Geographic channel show. One Strange Rock.

I think that our presence in this show will be brief.

Yesterday we learnt that our Intel / Parley SnotBot production Below the Surface won a webby (this is like an Emmy but for web produced products). 

https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/film-video/branded-entertainment/corporate-social-responsibility-branded/below-the-surface/

 Onwards Upwards.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN MILLER

GALA BENEFIT PARTY AND FREE OPEN HOUSE AT THE PAINT FACTORY THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The Second Annual Ocean Alliance Labor Day weekend art exhibition and fundraiser gala in partnership with Trident Gallery and the Trident Live Art Series celebrates contemporary viewpoints of the sea and maritime history at the Ocean Alliance Headquarters, the historic Tarr & Wonson Paint Factory.

Trident Gallery Director Matthew Swift is curating the art installation Edge for Ocean Alliance, which will be on view, free and open to the public, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Hours to be announced.

Trident Live Art Series Director Sarah Slifer Swift has invited Composer Robert J. Bradshaw and the Beauport Chamber Players, lighting designer Michael Friedman, and dancer Nina Brindamour to create a site-specific staging of Bradshaw’s musical work “Down to the Sea in Ships” for the Paint Factory.

“Down to the Sea in Ships” is a piece for strings and narrator about ill-fated whaling captain George Pollard Jr., whose story inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.

In addition to this unique inter-media staging of “Down to the Sea in Ships,” the Gala event includes delicious food and drink, the art exhibition, and the Parade of Lights and fireworks of the Gloucester Schooner Festival.

Tickets are $100/person, a contribution toward the continuing restoration of the paint factory complex, one of the last standing icons of Gloucester’s maritime history. More information and tickets will be available soon!

 

 

GREAT AUK TALK TOMORROW NIGHT AT OCEAN’S ALLIANCE!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Don’t miss Nathan’s Auk Talk tomorrow, Tuesday night, at the Paint Factory, 32 Horton Street, at 7pm. The talk is free and open to the public.

I can’t wait to see the head!

THE GREAT AUK AT THE PAINT FACTORY! AND PIPING PLOVER DAY 28 UPDATE

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The Great Auk was an extraordinary seabird that was driven to extinction in the mid- 19th century. What made it so extraordinary was its ability to dive great depths and swim as fast as the fish it caught. The Auk’s amazing abilities were also its downfall. The same wings and webbed feet that propelled it through water with tremendous speed and agility evolved so that over time, the wings shrank. The bird became flightless and its feet unable to navigate well on land. Ten months out of the year when the Auk lived entirely on the sea this was not a problem but during the breeding season, the Great Auk would return to the rocky shore of its birth to find its life mate and deposit a single egg. Both male and female took turns incubating the egg with their large feet. During the two month period on land, the birds were slaughtered by the tens of thousands. The oily skin of the Great Auk that allowed it to float on the surface of the water and live on the sea was used for oil lamps, the warm downy feathers for quilts and pillows, and its meat eaten by hungry settlers and fishermen.

The Great Auk and very tragic story of its long, painful extinction has captured the imagination of Nathan Thomas Wilson, the first Goetemann Artist Residency Fellowship award recipient. Working on the grounds of the Paint Factory and in partnership with Ocean Alliance, Nathan is creating a twice-life size interpretation of the Great Auk (the Great Auk ranged in height from approximately 27 to 35 inches). Nathan’s Auk is made from plastic pollution and debris scavenged along the shore, created with the goal of highlighting the devastating effect pollution is having on all living creatures.

Great Auk in progress. Head to arrive soon–Nathan is casting the head off site as it will have a lighting component.

Nathan is giving a talk on the 25th of July. Go to his facebook page for details about the talk and for more about Nathan.

No two eggs alike – Great Auk eggs were unusual in that each egg was uniquely patterned to allow easy identification by the brooding parents.

Great Auk nesting habitat.

Day 28: Little Chick is growing beautifully, developing and honing a range of defensive skills. With each passing day, he can feed longer, run faster, and stay in a position of perfect stillness for greater and greater periods of time. Still though, only very short little five- to six-foot run-hop-airbore flutters have been observed by the PiPl monitors.

Twenty-eight-day old Piping Plover shown with a small sample of the plastic pollution found daily on Good harbor Beach. The plastic debris litters GHB every morning before Gloucester’s hard working DPW and trash-piker-uppers arrive to clean up the mess left by beach goers the day before.

 

GloucesterCast 232 Ken Riehl, Sara Young, Warren Waugh, Cidalia Schwartz, Mark Hayes,Nathan Wilson, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 7/9/17

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast 232 Ken Riehl, Sara Young, Warren Waugh, Cidalia Schwartz, Mark Hayes,Nathan Wilson, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 7/9/17

When you subscribe you need to verify your email address so they know we’re not sending you spam and that you want to receive the podcast.  So once you subscribe check your email for that verification.  if you don’t see it, check your spam folder in your email acct.

 

Topics Include:

Chamber Summertime Events This weekend -First Downtown Block Party, Festival By The Sea August 5th, Blues Festival August 12th, Country Festival August 5th, Waterfront Festival August 19th-20th , Schooner Festival, Auction  www.capeannchamber.com
Bluefin Blowout July 27th-29th At Cape Ann Marina  www.bluefinblowout.com www.facebook.com/bluefinblowout
Nathan Wilson First Goetteman Artist Residency Fellow Through The Rocky Neck Artist Colony In Collaboration with Ocean Alliance  July 24th Talk At Ocean Alliance www.nathanthomaswilson.com
Baby Charlotte Update Backyard Growers Garden Tour