Location: Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast of Boston, MA)
Summary: Dozens of zombies were in Salem, MA for the annual Zombie Walk.
Zombies, zombie fighters and an assortment of other spooky characters took center stage in Salem MA earlier this month.
The walk began at Salem Commons and continued throughout the downtown area.
Yelling, screaming and making other “zombie-like” noises were encouraged.
Each year, there seems to be more zombies than the previous year and this year’s walk was no different. What really stood out was the variety of costumes.
Not all of the zombies were scary or angry, though. A few of them were just happy to be part of the walk!
The zombies have left Salem…for now. But, they’ll be back next October!
Beeps, pylons and eye masks may not be the first things you think of when you think of baseball. But they are some of the key components to Adaptive Sports Beep baseball or baseball for the blind. But there are so many more elements to the game. In fact, beep baseball has many rules from the amount of fielders to the number of innings that differentiate it from traditional baseball.
Each team has 6 fielders including a first base and third base fielder, a shortstop, a left fielder, a right fielder, and a center fielder. A player is ruled out if one of these fielders controls the ball before the hitter makes it to a base. And each game generally lasts 6 innings, although the game I went to was only 3 innings.
Each team has a pitcher designated to them. While the exact protocol may differ from each league or organization, generally the pitcher says “Ready…set…pitch” or a variation of this series of words to let the batter know a pitch is on it’s way. According to Joe Quintanilla, a captain for Boston Strong, one of the 29 teams in the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA), a hitter will often wait for the “pi” in the beginning of the word “pitch” to for his or her swing. While the beeping is of the ball is important for the fielders to locate the ball, it may be less important for the hitter’s swing.
Both hitters and fielders wear eye masks when they play and no applause or cheering is allowed during plays or during at bats as it may interfere with the ability of the hitters and fielders to hear the ball or the beeping of the base they will have to run to. The hitters are allowed up to 4 strikes and while they can take pitches for balls there are no walks in the game. Each team is allowed 3 outs each time they come up to bat. Timing, experience and dexterity are key to making contact.
After hitting the ball, hitters can run to either first or third base, which are located 100 ft from home plate, depending on where the ball is hit. A nearly 5 ft blue base buzzes when a ball is hit near it and the runner runs to that particular base as long as the ball travels 40 feet (otherwise it is considered a foul ball). Each pylon is wired to a controller that cause it to beep when a fair ball is hit near it. If the hitter makes it to the base before the ball is fielded and controlled by a fielder it is ruled a run. If he or she does not make it to the base before the ball is controlled by a fielder, he or she is out. There are “spotters” who help guide the hitters if they go out of the base paths. Also, if the hitter doesn’t make it to the base in 30 seconds he or she is ruled out. If a batted ball travels at least 170 ft in the air over fair territory before settling, it is, upon declaration of the umpire considered a home run.
The fielders rely on the beeping off the ball, skill, instinct, experience and team work to locate the ball and record an out.
You may see in the photo below there are little holes on the side of the ball where the beeping sounds emit from.
During the game, you may see players positioning the bat against home plate. This is done to help orient the batter so they can have a better feeling for where they are positioned.
The coaches, volunteers and teammates have strong bonds with each other, support each other and they even make sure to add humor and sportsmanship to the games, even playing and singing “Sweet Caroline” during the 7th inning (in this case 3rd inning stretch)
The Boston Strong team won, with team captain Joe Quintanilla fielding the game ending out. But it was a nail biter to the end!
Beep baseball’s beginnings can be traced back to 1964 when an engineer for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company named Charlie Fairbanks heard the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind needed ball to play sports with. Although footballs had been made with bells attached to them, there weren’t any baseballs that could be used effectively for visual impairments. But, this didn’t deter Fairbanks. After experimenting with various components, Fairbanks ended up using spare telephone parts to use as the inner components for the baseball. After Charlie would deconstruct softballs and add the appropriate parts. his wife, Vi, would stitch the balls together. Since then, the baseball and the game has gone through a lot of transformations. And it’s more popular than ever.
Below are some highlights from the Beep baseball event.
Date Of Event: July, 8, 2023 (usually held the second Saturday in July)
Location: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI (1 hour south of Providence, RI or 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: There is abundant free parking
Dog Friendly: Yes
Universally Accessible: Yes
Summary: People from all over New England and farther came to Brenton Point to fly or view the many kites at the Newport Kite Festival.
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Oh it’s just the 2023 Newport kite festival!
Kites of all shapes, colors and meaning could be seen flying through the air at Brenton Point.
Because of its location along the coast, Brenton Point offers scenic views and the perfect conditions for flying kites.
Each year since 2006, kite fliers and fans of kites have come to Brenton Point to fly and view dozens of kites at the most southern tip of Newport, Rhode Island. But, the history of the event goes back even longer.
From 1982 until 2005, the “High Flyers Flight Co” led by Sue Moskowitz and Steve Santos, coordinated a kite flying get together. But, for unknown reasons, the event stopped in 2006. But, that did not stop kite flyers from congregating and flying their kites. For the next 2 years the kite flying events took place off and on. Then, in 2009, Kitt Kites took over the event and it has flourished since.
Now, you can see kites from all over the country and the world for that matter.
One of the other great things about this event was that people of all ages and backgrounds could participate and enjoy the kites.
There weren’t just kites at the kites festival, though. A dj, event announcer and special events.
These kids were participating in a race in which they had to pull a kite.
And, yes, even dogs like kites! Since the Newport Kite Festival is dog friendly. Buck, an 11 week old Blue Heel terrier, decided to stop by!
Summary: Over 500 colorful umbrellas can be found floating in the air in Newport, RI! The art display will be up until Oct. 5.
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. Those fuchsia, blue, yellow, green, and orange umbrellas are indeed “floating” in the sky of Newport, Rhode Island. At least they are in the Brickmarket area of Newport.
This art display and similar art displays have been installed in places like Miami, Florida, New York City and even the Middle East! But, this is the first time this particular art display has appeared in New England.
The upside to this art display by Artscape is you can view it regardless of the weather since the canopy of umbrellas are sure to keep you dry. Additionally, there are events such as karaoke, local musical events and a kid’s bash that are planned to take place during the Saturdays and Sundays while the umbrellas are still there.
The umbrellas are most vibrant when the sun is out . The sun rays hitting the umbrellas really do make the colors pop. When I originally arrived at the umbrella display, it was overcast. So, I drove around Rhode Island and photographed some other things and came back a few hours later. The sun was out and there was a noticeable difference when I returned for the second round of photos.
The first photo was taken during my first visit.
This photo was taken during my second visit.
One of the great things for me was being able to take photos from so many different angles. In fact, I took some of them lying on the ground!
Don’t wait too long to see these umbrellas! They will only be there until Oct. 5.
Below is a video that shows what it’s like to walk through this art display!
Beaches aren’t the only place to find sand sculptures! Thirty two sand sculptures have been sculpted and set up throughout the city of Yarmouth, MA.
FitzySnowman has sculpted all of the sand sculptures all with a summer, beach or Cape Cod feel to them.
Since it has rained so much, some of the sand sculptures were damaged. But, most of the sculptures held up ok. Only two of the sand sculptures were damaged beyond recognition. Which isn’t too bad considering all of the rain we had been getting in June. Although you can visit them in any order, I will list the sand sculptures in the order I visited them. The first, of course, is located at the Visitor Center on Route 6.
Visitor Center, Route 6
Spongebob and Patrick seem to be popular characters for the sand sculptures each year.
Just Picked Gifts – 13 Willow St, Yarmouth Port
The Cooperative Bank Of Cape Cod – 121 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. I’ve heard of a safe cracker. But, a squid cracker? That’s a first!
Voila! Designs By Frederique – 169 Main St #6A, Yarmouth Port. As you can see by this photo and other photos of the sand sculptures, the backgrounds and accessories added to the sand sculptures really make the sculptures stand out! And at least one of the sand sculptures is lit up during the evening.
Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port
Winslow Crocker House – 250 Route 6A, Old King’s Highway, Yarmouth Port
Bass River Rod & Gun Club – 620 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port
Kinlin Grover – 927 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. Some of the businesses always have the same kind of sculptures each year. This particular real estate company always has a sand castle on their property. I like this. It gives some routine and stability in an otherwise at times unstable world.
Taylor Bray Farm – 108 Bray Farm Rd North Yarmouth Port
When you do stop this sand sculpture make sure to stop by the farm and check out the animals on the farm!
Bay Berry Golf Course – 635 W Yarmouth Rd, W. Yarmouth
Cape Cod 5 – 514 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Today Real Estate – 487 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth – This sand sculpture was demolished due to the elements.
Dunkin’ Donuts – 436 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Rockland Trust Bank – 428 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth
Bass River Golf Course – 62 Highbank Rd, S. Yarmouth
Cape Cod Creamery – 1199 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Yarmouth Town Hall – 1146 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Dunkin’ Donuts – 1050 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
Seafood Sam’s – 1006 Route 28, S. Yarmouth. This sand sculpture makes me hungry since this is usually the half way point where we take a break and have lunch!
Cand Co – 975 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
The Pancake Man – 952 Route 28, S. Yarmouth
John G Sears & Son – 221 Old Main St, S. Yarmouth
Freebird Motor Lodge – 553 Route 28, w. Yarmouth
Holiday Vacation Condominiums – 488 Main St, W. Yarmouth
Route 28 Visitor Center – 424 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Laer Realty Partners – 411 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Bellew Tire & Marble – 280 Main St, Yarmouth
Sunbird Cape Cod Resort – 216 Main St, W. Yarmouth
The Cove at Yarmouth – 183 Main St, W. Yarmouth
Cape Sands Inn – 149 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth
Putters Paradise Mini Golf – 119 Route 28, W. Yarmouth
The sand sculpture at Hampton Inn & Suites – 99 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth was too damaged by the elements to be photographed
While the sand sculpture trail is a fun, family friendly experience, please do keep in mind it does require traveling through the Cape during peak season! I always figure it will take a “few hours” and yet after 4 hours I am still photographing sand sculptures. But, if you’re just driving by or looking at them it should be quicker than that.
We all consider ourselves brave, fearless and calm under pressure. But, what would we really do when faced with a life or death scenario? In all likelihood, we would fall short of our expectations.
Commander Donald F Haviland faced this very same scenario on February 23, 1945. He, however, made a much different decision.
While transporting Norwegian refugees from Russia on the SS Henry Bacon, the ship Haviland was on encountered a heavy gale. The ship had to be taken out of Convoy RA 64 to make repairs from the damage resulting from the gale. This left the SS Henry Bacon vulnerable and German air fighters took advantage. Twenty three German planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon. Despite the USS Henry Bacon shooting down several planes and warding off most of the attackers, the ship did sustain one hit which made the USS Henry Bacon founder.
As the ship was sinking, it was determined there was not enough life boats for all the refugees and personnel. Upon hearing this information, Chief Engineer Haviland, he forfeited his life boat so that a younger man could take his place on in the life boat. Haviland went down with the ship.
Haviland earned the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal posthumously for his selfless act of heroism.
This memorial always gives me pause when I visit Webb Memorial State Park. What would we do in this situation? Would we have the same brave and selfless spirit? Likely no. But, Haviland and people of his ilk are a different breed. The valor he displayed is truly remarkable.
Each Fourth of July and other days of remembrance, flowers, flags, shells, rocks and other displays of tribute are left at Haviland’s memorial.
A photo of Haviland was also placed upon the memorial during my visit.
Admiral Emory Scott Land put it best in regards to Haviland’s sacrifice when he stated Haviland’s “unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.”
New England has a long history of sea faring servicemen and women. Tragically, some of these people were lost to the sea.
These people may have been lost but they are not forgotten. Certainly not by the people of Hampton, New Hampshire or the people who visit the New Hampshire Marine Memorial.
Each year, thousands of people take selfies, admire the beauty of the statue or sit on the bench at the memorial.
I took these photos of the memorial on two different days. The first set of photos were taking after I took photos of the sand sculptures from this year’s Sand Sculpting Classic at Hampton Beach and the second set were taken on June 25. Since there are usually crowds there, I went early to avoid the crowds and to get the photos with the serene morning light.
Dedicated to all New Hampshire servicepersons lost at sea due to warfare, the New Hampshire Marine Memorial is a mid-sized statue of New England granite on a tiered granite base. A woman holding a wreath casts her gaze along the water.
Inscribed on the upper (middle) step is the phrase BREATHE SOFT, YE WINDS, YE WAVES IN SILENCE REST. These words are from a poem by John Gay, written in 1714, in his “An Epistle to a Lady.”
Originally, 248 names in 10 rows were added to the back of the memorial with the state seal at each end. Sadly, over time, names have been added. The last name added was on Aug 6, 2022 when Marine Cpl. Jonathan Currier’s name was added to the monument. The 21 year old Cpl. Currier, from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, went overboard in the Sulu Sea off the Philippine coast on Aug. 9, 2018.
What few people may know is the memorial didn’t start out as a memorial. What would become one of the most recognizable memorials in New Hampshire, if not New England, originally began as a grave marker.
William E. Downs of Manchester, NH, had inquired see if the federal government would furnish a grave marker for his son, Captain William D Downs, who was buried at sea May 25, 1945. Little did he know at the time his request would result in such a well known memorial for all service people lost at sea. The memorial would go on to become a memorial to all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II. In fact, it would go on to remember those lost after World War II.
However, the quest to get the memorial built was a long one. Initially, Downs’ request to have a grave marker built was denied. But Downs did not give up. After many proposals, such as placing the memorial at “Pulpit Rock” at Rye Beach and, after that proposal fell through, “Ragged Neck” at Rye Harbor, Downs was able to gain the support of a memorial from Governor Sherman Adams in 1950. Eventually, the then Governor Hugh Gregg agreed to have the memorial built at Hampton Beach. The statue was dedicated on May 30, 1957 (fittingly Memorial Day). On Veterans Day, 1970, the American Legion Post 35 of the Hamptons, dedicated two flag poles at the monument, which fly the American and state flags.
As you can tell by the events and actions outlined below, there were a lot of people involved in the creation of this memorial.
A design by Concord (NH) resident Alice E. Cosgrove was approved for the 12 foot statue.
Cambridge, Massachusetts sculptor, Teodors Uzarins, was commissioned to model the life-size statue in clay at the Caproni Galleries in Boston. Uzarins, worked closely with Alice, to produce the features that everyone who has seen it remembers.
A 24-ton granite block from Swenson’s Granite Quarries of Concord to sculpt the memorial. That 24 ton granite block was then shipped to Barre, Vermont where it was shaped. It was then sent to Hampton after 17 tons of that block had been removed by Italian artisan, Vincenzo Andreani of Marr and Gordon, Inc., Granite Works. Andreani used a plaster cast of the lady in the memorial for point-by-point measurements.
All of this hard work paid off, as the memorial is not only a respectful tribute to those who have served the country honorably. It is also one of the most recognizable sculptures in New Hampshire.
Click on the link below to see my photos on my Facebook page
Summary: Ten sand sculptors put their talent to the test in the 23rd annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic. The sculptures will be available to be viewed until Sunday, June 25 and they are lit up at night
It’s amazing what you can do with sand, especially if you are one of the gifted artists at the Hampton Sand Sculpting Classic.
The sand sculpting event, which took place June 15-17, attracts world renown sculptors from all over the United States and abroad. But, if you pay attention to the event or visit the competition, you may notice some familiar names as many of the artists compete in the event each year. In fact, one of the persons instrumental in the creation of the event, Greg Grady, has competed each year since its inception in 2000.
Some fun facts about the sculptures: 200 tons of sand is imported for the sand sculptors to use for their own sculptures and for the main design. Those sticks on tops of the sculptors you may see in some of the photos are not for artistic value – they are used to prevent birds from landing on the sculptures. And each sculptor is given 10 tons of sand to make their work of art.
Each year, the sand sculpting classic has a different theme. All of the sculptors work together to make the sculptures in the centerpiece design. Some of the themes in previous competitions were “The Greatest Show In Sand” (in 2022) and Sand, Sun and Fun in 2021″ (in 2021 of course). This year’s theme is “The Sand Before Time” with a nod to the Old Man of the Mountain (I had a hard time finding it too).
Although it’s good to see teamwork, this is a competition after all. Each sculptor had 3 (or more like 2 and a half) days to make their sand sculptures. From Thu morning until Saturday afternoon the sculptors toiled away, despite some inclement weather. But, despite the wind and rain they carried on.
The sculptures are listed below in the order they are located. Whenever possible, the meaning or other information about the sculptures are included in the description. The information and quotes were found on the Hampton Beach Facebook page and various new stories.
Rusty’s inspiration for this sculpture came from unexpected source; Audible. He said he enjoys listening to audio books. He went on to say how the immersion of a story or music can take you out and how you can be encapsulated by these different mediums, especially when you listen with noise cancelling headphones. This experience of listening to words or music can be immersive to your ears eyes and mind. Rusty also mentioned how the piece shows, “how your mind doesn’t need your eyes to see a vision sometimes, it’s just the audio. The sound comes through without them.” He also made a joke about how he ironically lost his own earbuds in the sand while making this work of art.
“The Devil In The Details” – Chris Guinto (Captain Cook, Hawaii) – Governor’s Choice Award
Chris Guinto secured a spot in next year’s competition by winning the Governor’s Choice award, perhaps not so ironically, with his sculpture “The Devil In The Details.”
“Love Is A Universal Temple” – Melineige Beauregard (Captain Cook, Hawaii) 1st Place Winner & People’s Choice Winner
Melineige, who won first place last year, snagged first place this year as well for her sculpture “Love Is A Universal Temple.” It is also the third time in four years she has won first place in this competition.
Melineige said the sculpture, which shows a mother and child embracing in the shape of a cathedral, was about ” “the feeling of being in love, whether it’s human or animal,” Beauregard said. “It’s very sacred. It is its own temple by itself.”
For her efforts, Melineige was awarded $6,000 for first place and another $1,000 for the People’s Choice Award.
“Obsolete” – Carl Jara (Lyndhurst, Ohio) Third Place
Carl, another familiar face at the competition, won third place for his effort “Obsolete.”
Carl said his sculpture was based on being old and obsolete and was “something of a vulnerable piece” for him. Carl went on to say he has been sculpting for 32 years and sculpting at this event for 23 years (every year it has been held) and he’s seen the progression and change over the years.
“For an old guy like me, you know with years of experience…I don’t have time to innovate again. I feel sometimes a little obsolete,” Carl said explaining his sculpture. He also stated this “old God” feels these same feelings of being obsolete as there are no “new god’s” and, out of sheer frustration, he has thrown his six pack into the TV monitor while he sits on his lounge chair with his fast food or chips by his side.
“Futurism: Man’s Best Friend 2.oh-no” – Greg Grady (New Hampshire)
At this risk of dating myself, all I could think of when I saw this sculpture was Muffet (the dog from the TV show Buck Rogers). If you get that reference, it may be time to join AARP.
“Ascent” – Bruce Phillips (California) Fourth place (tie)
Bruce Phillips said this sculpture is about how Artificial intelligence is basically replacing free thought.
His sculpture tied for 4th place with the next sculpture.
Karen tied for 4th place with her “Raptor Ryder”. Karen said the inspiration for this sculpture was based on two of her favorite things and was tied into the “Sand Before Time” theme. “Heavy metal and dinosaurs, two of my favorite things” she explained.
“Guardian Of Her Dreams” – Matthew Deibert (New Jersey)
Matthew Deibert, a retired Atlantic City firefighter captain who has been competing in sand sculpting competitions since 1999, made his debut at this competition this year. His piece “Guardian of Her Dreams” depicts a young girl sleeping in bed with her teddy bear, sword in hand, protecting her from nightmares.
“The Struggles We Face”- Josh Gordon (Massachusetts)
Another familiar face at the competition, Josh Gordon, created the sculpture “The Struggles We Face.”
“Dave Is Here” – Abe Waterman (Prince Edward Island) Second place & Sculptor’s Choice Award
Abe’s sculpture was a tribute to another sculptor, Dave Andrews.
Abe said he made this sculpture in honor of fellow sand sculptor David Andrews who had previously competed in the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting competition. Sadly, David passed away last year. Abe said the sculpture is for David, “but it’s also for all of us.” He went on to say “David was an incredible guy and sculptor.”
This sculpture of Andrews also won the Sculptors Choice Award, voted on by those competing in the contest.
The sand sculptures are expected to remain up until Sunday, June 25. Then, they will be taken down. They will also be lit up at night for evening viewing.
Summary: Old Sturbridge Village celebrated St Patrick’s in style with dancers, musicians and a few other special events!
Everyone was Irish at the inaugural Celtic Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village. The Celtic Celebration event celebrated Irish culture and history. The event also also included horse carriage rides and animals on the grounds. The babies were especially popular.
The event also showcased some of the cultural aspects of Celtic tradition. Lee (MA) Irish Dance performed a style of dance called Step Dance. People from a variety of age groups, abilities and experience danced to Celtic music. Step dance is a form of dance that is deeply rooted in Irish tradition. As you can see in the photos below, the dancers incorporate a stiff upper body with fast and precise movements of the feet. The dancers kept their vision at eye level (likely ignoring or trying to not notice their friends and family who were intently watching them) and exhibited a serious manner. The dancers dressed in an array of colorful, glitzy apparel. They even added sparkly accessories to their footwear. Their abilities as well as their poise and concentration were all very impressive
In addition to the dancers there was also Celtic music performed by a skilled harper.
Celtic Harpist Cate Mahoney performed Celtic songs. It was amazing watching her make such beautiful music with such ease. Just to show how difficult and taxing it id on her fingers to make this music, you may notice a white bottle on the ground of the second photo. Between songs, Cate would have to use talc on her fingers. Her music, which you can hear in the video below, was very soothing and pleasing.
There were other family friendly events such as dipping candles, a bagpiper performing and readings from Celtic literature. Or, you could just walk around and take in all of the Irish culture in the air and be Irish for at least one day!
Some of you may wonder what am I up to when I don’t post on WordPress. Admittedly, I don’t post on here as often as I would like to or should post. But, I am still out photographing things!
I don’t always post on here whenever I take photographs, especially if it’s from place I go to frequently. So, I thought I would post photos from last winter with a brief description of the photos. I found this post to be fun. I also think it helps show what I’ve been up to in between blog posts! I hope to do this after each season. You can find photos I don’t post on here on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newenglandnomad/ or Instagram new.england.nomad_
Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA (Feb 4, 2023)
I took these photos on the coldest day of the year. The actual temperature was -9 degrees with a -31 windchill factor. I dressed warmly (basically 2 eyes poking out of a balaclava and every part of my body covered as frostbite can set in very quickly on unprotected skin in these conditions). All I could think of during this shoot was the planet Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back movie. I wasn’t going to go out on that day figuring it was dangerously cold and my bed would be much more comfortable. But, I heard and saw other photographers talking or posting about how they were eager to go out in the elements. This got my competitive juices flowing! I also figured it is a once in a lifetime (hopefully) event. So, off I went! I came home after and tried to warm up the remainder of the day!
Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)
I took this photo of Piebald deer at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Feb, 2023
When I first spotted this deer, I thought he or she was molting (a process when some birds and animals shed their fur or feathers). But that only usually happens during the fall or spring. So, it was too early for that.
After asking a friend who knows about these things and doing some research on my own, I realized the deer had a condition called Piebaldism. No, Piebald is not a new type of pastry or desert!
Found in a variety of animals including humans, Piebaldism is condition that involves the absence of mature melanin-forming cells (melanocytes) in certain areas of the skin and hair.
The deer below has a rare genetic abnormality called Piebald. Piebaldism is found in some white tail deer. But it is not very common. Only about 2% of the white tail deer population has this disorder. However, it can cluster among herds and be spread among entire herds in a particular area
Besides the distinct coloring of their fur, Piebald deer also exhibit other features visible in the photo such as skeletal misalignment, shortened legs, crooked legs, bowing of the nose, deformed hooves, shortened jaws as well as internal organ deformities.
Piebaldism is the result of a genetic abnormality that leads to a lack of pigmentation in certain places on the body. It is not clear what causes this abnormality as there have not been enough extensive studies to know for certain. It does appear to be spread genetically,
You can find piebaldism in other animals as well. Horses, dogs, foxes, cattle, cetceans, pigs and even snakes also may exhibit this abnormality. While they may experience some challenges, most animals with this condition often live full and overall healthy lives.
I also spotted this seemingly one legged Great Blue Heron. practicing their balance. Many birds do this as a way of keeping one of their legs warm. Their feathers offer their legs warmth during the colder seasons.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)
I often visit this sanctuary. So I have quite a few photos from there. I have selected some of my favorites. But, first I wanted to post photos of one more colorful residents, Jasper.
Jasper, a Redtail Hawk, can often be found gliding through the air or, if you’re lucky, hunting his prey (some photos are of a graphic nature)
I was also able to make it out there just after a snowfall.
While some of the residents do migrate, there are quite a few who stay year round.
Bird feeding, by hand no less, is a popular activity at the sanctuary. They especially appreciate it during the winter
I’ve also been photographing sunrises and sunsets throughout the colder months. These are a few of my favorites from the past season.
Independence Park, Beverly, MA
Revere Beach
Riverwalk, Springfield, MA
And, of course, I photographed a few holiday displays
New England Nomad 