My View of Life on the Dock
Monday afternoon at Good Harbor Beach I found the little Razorbill washed ashore, up between the ice sheets at the high tide line. Thanks so much to Mike for sharing his story about the Razorbills he saw at the Dogbar Breakwater last week. I could identify it immediately because of Mike’s sighting. I hope so much the other Razorbill is surviving 🙂
I left him by the footbridge in case anyone else would like to see the Razorbill.
Many, many thanks to reader Mike for sharing his amazing sighting of two Razorbills. He writes the following,
“Hi Kim. I was out on the Dogbar Breakwater yesterday afternoon. I didn’t see any Snowy Owls, but I did spot 2 Razorbills. I’d never seen one before, so it was quite exciting. There was a flurry of activity in the water as 2 loons harassed one of the Razorbills. They wore him down and then a large sea gull attacked and tried to kill the Razorbill pecking at his head. He dove and swam far enough away the gull lost track of him in the small chop.
Interesting to see the White Line across it’s backside and the white under the wings. I witnessed one of the Razorbills swimming underwater from the height of the rocks at the end of the breakwater, the bird appeared to be “flying” underwater and I thought it had tiny wings as I could only see the white portion of the wings in the darkness of the water. It swam similar to a Penguin underwater. Another couple also saw the Razorbill swim underwater and the three of us were surprised at distance the bird covered in such a short time.
On my way to the breakwater, I asked a young couple returning to the parking lot, if they had seen any cool critters. They said they saw an injured bird that was something like a Puffin or Penguin just inside the breakwater, at the edge of the shore.  They said the bird made it’s way into the water as they approached. They had a frontal top view of the bird with their smartphone, but it was unclear as to what it was. I’m guessing that’s the same Razorbill I saw being attacked by the sea gull. Nature has a way of weeding out the weak and injured, but he escaped to live another day !!
I also saw around a dozen Common Eiders, 2 Surf Scoters, couple mergansers, 6 Buffleheads and 4 light brown ducks I would guess to be Gadwalls by the elegant patterns of breast feathers swimming along the shore inside the breakwater. Great sightings on a wonderful warm day!!”
I just read on the Audubon website that the Razorbill is probably the closest living relative of the extinct Great Auk. How interesting is that! I’ve never seen a Razorbill but will most certainly be on the lookout. Thanks so much again to Mike.
All images courtesy wikicommonsmedia.
FV Midnight Sun Ten Pound Island Lighthouse
Wicked Tuna captains and film crew shooting a promo at the Dogbar for the upcoming season.
 Curious to see the Coast Guard ship parked at the Dogbar for a good part of the afternoon.
There were lots of folks out on the Dogbar enjoying the delightfully balmy weather and sunset spectacle Saturday evening.
Dogbar Breakwater Panorama
Eastern Point Lighthouse and Mother Ann
 Old Lighthouse Bell and Chokecherry Tree
The sunset hues grew richer as night fell.
Helicopter repeatedly circling over Eastern Point at mid-day today.
I am curious to know if that is a camera on the front of the helicopter.
FV Endeavor in the Foggy Sunset
Heading out to photograph wild creatures, instead I found fog. Beginning in the afternoon and lasting into sunset, waves and ribbons of fog enveloped the east end of Gloucester until only shapes and silhouettes were visible.
Fog Ribbons and FV Endeavor
A wedding reception was underway at the Yacht Club, lots of folks were out watching the setting sun, and a photo shoot was taking place on the Dogbar. Returning home, Niles Beach and Ten Pound Island were even more shrouded in fog. Final stop was the Paint Factory to catch the last glimmer of light. Looking towards Ten Pound Island from the Paint Factory, in the last Instagram you can see the sliver of a crescent moon.
Visiting from Ireland
Visiting from Central Mass
Visiting from San Diego California
From South Korea visiting from Boston area, and doing a little fishing
Visiting from out of town to enjoy a little fishing
WILD, WET, AND WINDY–there is incredible beauty to be seen in the power of the sea.Â
Dogbar Breakwater Lighthouse 
Record warm temperatures all along the East Coast allowed for luxuriously warm Christmas Day beach fun. Matt, Liv, and Tom took a hike to the the Lighthouse and back and here are some pics. If you spent Christmas Day at a Cape Ann beach, send us your photos and we would love to post! Email image to kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com
Is there a more lopsided lighthouse configuration than ours?
Congratulations, Beth!
Watch for next week’s game on Monday. That one’s for a prize!!
Gloucester MA
Eastern Point Lobster Dinner View, originally uploaded by captjoe06.
