Thinking of spring

gulls fly, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

My two little gulls here are asking me, "Where's spring?" I have no answer.

Laughing Gull, Summer

Laughing Gull, Summer, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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You know it's summer on Long Island when the Laughing Gulls wear their summer plumage! 

Gulls love to perch themselves on pilings. 

I guess it's a nice place to rest and take in the sights of the river.

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Fire Island Praise

gull on Fire Island, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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The gulls enjoy a sunny day at the beach!

I am so much like the seagulls. 

If the sun is shining and the ocean breezes are cool, I'm enjoying the beach.

The beach has a calming effect. I don't know if it's the sound of the waves or just the sunshine and fresh air, but it seems like the place to be when life becomes stressful.

Maybe it's being away from the house, the news, the computer and phone.

(I do have a cell phone but leave it off most of the time!)

A beach chair, a good book and sunglasses are all you need to enjoy the day.

A nice walk along the shore, on solid sand only adds to the enjoyment.

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Fire Island is one of the best beaches in the world. 

The sand is fine and pinkish-white. The wind usually comes from the southwest, so you feel it on your face.

The best part is that it is often not crowded.

September in my opinion, is the best month on Fire Island since most people are back to school and to work, after their summer vacations. 

Yet, it is still relatively warm on Fire Island.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay, September's warm water, heated from the long summer, keeps the air at a comfortable temperature.

Did I tell you that I love living on Long Island?

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Heat Wave

seagulls over the bay, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The temperatures have been high but there is usually a breeze by the water.

Everyone keeps asking, "Aren't you dying of the heat?"

No. I sit by the water and enjoy the cooler breezes and warm sunlight.

This is so much better than January.

I do wear sunscreen and sit under an umbrella.

But, it's not unbearably hot!

It could be worse. It could always be worse.

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Swallow-tailed Chick

swallow-tail chick crop, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Blogger is doing it again. Changing things.

I noticed that photos no longer just open larger as they have been doing since the start of this blog. They now immediately download...not something I really want to happen automatically.

So I posted this from Flickr...but then had to widen the web page. It's still not perfect. I see little rounded corners where they shouldn't be, but my html knowledge is limited so I'll have to keep it for now!

Hope this minor change didn't cause any problems for you. Let me know if it did, please.

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This photo is of a baby Swallow-tailed chick who was chasing his mother...asking for food.

Galapagos Islands. You can get this close!

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Bayport Beach

Not technically the greatest shot, but I like how the birds enjoy a perch, regardless of where they are.
Fire Island is the distant shore.
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Gull of Fire Island

Sometimes when we anchor the boat to just relax and enjoy the sunshine.....and to smell and enjoy the movement of the water, we have visitors.

There will inevitably be a gull or two sitting behind the boat.

Maybe they hope we will throw them a crumb or two. A pretzel? Something!

I hate to disappoint them but if I throw one item, one crumb, a whole flock of gulls will arrive.

Not a good idea!

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Fire Island and the Gulls

We went to the beach yesterday.

Fire Island National Seashore, my favorite beach....

The water was crystal clear blue/green, the sky was a perfectly clear blue, the sand was solid and white/pink.

The gulls were lined up, and I would think, they also appreciated the beauty!

Every once in awhile, a gull would fly over a wave and pull something from the sea to eat.

...a perfect beach day at the end of May!

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