Snowy Owls are back for the winter at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in the coastal Newburyport, Massachusetts area. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing my first Snowy Owl the year yet this season, but starting next week when I am finished with my Fall 2014 classes at UMass Amherst’s UWW, I’ll be heading to the Refuge in search of these majestic beauties. Nothing spells rest and relaxation for me more than time outdoors in every season, enjoying the diverse wildlife at my beloved Refuge.
The photo above was taken at the Newbury Salt Marsh, just outside of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in December 2013. (more…)
I’m taking classes at UML. My first writing exercise for English Comp is to write about a “special place” that is meaningful to me. I spend a lot of time at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. It is my “special place”…
When I think of a “special place”, the first place that comes to mind is the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in Newburyport, Massachusetts. As a child growing up in West Newbury, Massachusetts in the 1960’s it was legal to camp on Sandy Point, which is the southern tip of Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. As a small child, I grew up spending a few summers in my early life, camping with my family and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on my mother’s side of the family. Days were spent climbing dunes, building sand castles, racing snails and simply living simply. Those early childhood memories of the Refuge, fuel a deep abiding love for the 7 mile stretch of estuary land along the coast of Massachusetts.
Salt Pannes at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
The Refuge, as folks acquainted with refer to it, is unique in its diverse landscape and wildlife. Now, decades after my childhood and a 20 year stretch of living in Los Angeles, I am drawn to the Refuge at least once a week to revel in its beauty, and immerse my self in the sheer peace of mind that being there invokes in me. Each visit is a new view as the skies, tides and seasons change to colors and contrasts of the Refuge on a daily, if not hour to hour, minute to minute basis cycle. In my world, the Refuge is church. It is there I go to seek solace. It is there I go to celebrate. I have lived on both coasts of United States, visited the south of France, Paris, London and Amsterdam and still for every other place, I have lived or visited, no place can claim the designation of my “special place” more than the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
I am an ever growing, always changing being, with a deep desire to grow, learn and evolve. I welcome every opportunity that I learn from. – Pamela J. Leavey
Photo: Great Blue Heron at Plum Island ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2013
The lure of nature is a strong force of inspiration. I am awed by the wonders that I see every day, whether in my yard or driving in my car, or hiking a well loved path. I re-mind myself everyday to take time to reflect on the wonders of Mother Earth and rest my soul in her abundance and glories. ~~ Pamela J. Leavey
(Photo: Great Blue Heron on the Salt Marsh at Plum Island ~ Pamela J. Leavey 2012)
Having your right foot in a cast is truly a pain in the a**. I’m not sure what is most annoying about it all, but not being able to drive is a big one. It’s tough being stuck in house and dependent on family and friends for supplies, etc…
I also sorely miss my hiking at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Maudsley State Park and along Point Shore in Amesbury. Before I started hiking a few weeks ago, a good drive along the river to Plum Island always served to clear my head.
Thankfully, my hiking partner came by to rescue me on Monday and we took a wonderful drive along the Merrimack River, from Amesbury, through Merrimack and Rock’s Village and then over the Rock’s Village Bridge and back along River Road in West Newbury (my early childhood stomping grounds).
We were looking for Bald Eagles which have been here in smaller numbers this season. The Bald Eagle proved to be elusive on Monday, but we treated to a sighting of 4 – 6 Eastern Bluebirds… Yes, that’s right, the Blue Bird Of Happiness.
Sometimes I muse and I ramble because I can... I muse about life and things that matter to me...
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Snowy Owls are back for the winter at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in the coastal Newburyport, Massachusetts area. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing my first Snowy Owl the year yet this season, but starting next week when I am finished with my Fall 2014 classes at UMass Amherst’s UWW, I’ll be heading to the Refuge in search of these majestic beauties. Nothing spells rest and relaxation for me more than time outdoors in every season, enjoying the diverse wildlife at my beloved Refuge.
