A crisp, snowy morning on the bay

Harvest Moon

Early Sunday evening I went to the train station to pick up my friend Nancy. She had arrived from Boston and was spending the night at my house before making a quick exit the next afternoon (it always goes so quickly) back to Beantown.

On our way home from the train I decided to take the back way, driving by Chapmans Landing. As we came over the bridge ... WOW! The Harvest moon had just risen over the bay and was a soft pink color.

These aren't exactly close up shots because I didn't think my camera would be able to get them without a tripod. I should have at least tried though. The moon was rising so fast I knew time was limited.


And then just like that, it started going behind clouds

Looking up river was just as pink, just as foggy, and just as pretty.

~

*Life has been a very busy lately and it's next to impossible for me to keep up with everyone's blogs, so I want to publicly thank all those who stop by and leave comments. Thank you all very much!

Sharon

Sunday morning with the Osprey

Sunday morning was beautiful, though rather cool, as I bundled up and headed for the local Osprey nest on Squamscott River (Great Bay) in hopes of getting a few decent pictures. About a week ago I noticed the pair had returned to the nesting site, and from what I could see from the road, seemed pretty active. Sure enough . . .

 

What gorgeous birds to see up close. I was in awe of their size and the sounds of their wings flapping as they flew overhead. Incredible!

The Osprey are obviously still in the breeding season as he demonstrated several times during my visit. One can only hope this will be a successful nesting season with fledging young.

According to the Great Bay Osprey Stewards, who monitor all the local nests (I had no idea there were so many in the area until I did some research), last year was the first time this nest has failed to raise any young in it’s 16 year history.

 

Several times the Osprey flew off into the distance and returned carrying a long piece of grass to add to the nest. Things need to be spruced up just right after a long, harsh winter

Chapmans Landing Ice Out (Looking up river)

Spring is coming on strong once again. Chapmans Landing, where I took these photos, is located between the towns of Stratham and Newfields, and only about a 1/2 mile downriver from where I shot pictures of the bob houses. Though I haven't made time to stop back in to see if the bob houses are still there, it would stand to reason they are not.

Rain had fallen the previous day which helped to melt much of our snow pack along with the ice on the river. Large chunks of ice are making their way out to sea, at last. It is a welcome sight after such a long winter. The Canadian Geese are pleased (of which you will see more of later on).

I thought it was so pretty watching the mist rise from the snow and water. A fleeting moment to be sure.

Wouldn't you know that as soon as I arrived home the sun came out and it was gorgeous! I could only imagine what it must have looked like with the orange and pink shades on the river with the mist rising . . . rats! I missed it!

Suprisingly I've never actually seen a boat at this dock though I may have just missed it. A beautiful place to live (and up for sale) but there is plenty of traffic as it's a busy road.

After a week of up and down temperatures (mostly down) we are headed back up again. Yippee! Looks like we are finally going to get out of the 30's. It's about time!

*It's been a busy week here. I plan on catching up on blogging this week-end. Thanks for stopping by!