A New Bird Sighting at Chatham Gardens

Baltimore Oriole
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

I was reading in my sunroom today when I glanced up at the bird feeder just outside the window and much to my total delight I spotted this beautiful bird. I believe it is a Female Baltimore Oriole, though it could be a young male in his first fall suit. She/he didn't stay long so I was glad I had the camera handy and ready.

I have an Oriole feeder but some critter, likely a squirrel or a raccoon, keeps swiping the orange halves. Now that I know there are Orioles nearby, I will cut up another orange and hope for a return visit.

Shrinking Children

Julia, Ben
Originally uploaded by ChathamGardens

I realized that I have developed a love/hate relationship with summertime on Cape Cod. There is the overwhelming swell of summer visitors that result in long lines and no reservations at favorite restaurants. There is the impossibility of making a left turn in the car and the never-ending quest to find alternative routes to avoid the worst of the left turns. There is the "Full" sign at the parking lot to my favorite beach.

But, there are also the sweet summer breezes and the warming waters at magnificent beaches with lots of parking. And most of all there are summer visitors that are arriving at Chatham Gardens for a day, a few days or a week. On balance, I would have to say I love summertime more then I hate it.

The most recent guests at Chatham Gardens included the Rechtzigel family who have not been here for two years. I really hope it is not another two years until they return. Overlapping with them were Ben and Sue Cheslawski, frequent and always welcome guests.

If you click on the picture of Julia and Ben you will be on my Flickr page where there is a short video of Ben C making Julia and Ben R (who are behind the blanket - I was slow turning on the camera) and then fortunately, bringing them back, in addition to more pictures of the recent Chatham Garden guests.

Is YOUR name in the reservation book?