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Tina Green reports that the American oystercatcher pair has returned to Compo Beach for the season.
“Their loud. distinctive calls announced their early morning arrival for all to hear yesterday,” she says.
“No doubt they will try to nest again in the same area of the beach just north of the cannons. The pair successfully raised and fledged 3 juvenile birds last year, due in part to the beach being closed because of COVID. They had the beach to themselves until May, along with the piping plovers.
“Compo visitors — especially those with dogs — should keep away from the oystercatchers and give them some space. Westporters are very fortunate to have a front row seat to watch nature up close and personal in our hometown.
American oystercatchers at Compo Beach yesterday. (Photo/Tina Green)
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Besides the oystercatchers, there’s another returnee to Westport: drive-in concerts.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library sponsor 2 next month. The site is the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Sophie B Hawkins — a great talent, and Westport resident — opens the season on Friday April 23rd. The show — featuring her 5-piece band is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Deep Banana Blackout follows on Saturday, April 24. The 8-piece band is an area favorite, with a high-energy mix of jam, funk and blues.
Tickets for each show are $150 per car (5 person max). Tickets for Sophie B Hawkins go on sale on this Monday (March 29, 10 .am). Deep Banana Blackout will go on sale Tuesday, March 30, also at 10. Click here to order.
Sophie B Hawkins
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Speaking of entertainment: Jamie Mann — the Staples High School senior who stars in Netflix’s new hit, “Country Comfort,” which premiered Friday — has written a great piece for Backstage on the highs and lows of being a young actor.
He writes honestly about his love for dance, the “dead zone” when child actors grow too tall and add braces, the mentors he found in Westport like Cynthia Gibb and Jill Jaysen, being just another cast member with Staples Players, and more. Click here to read.
Jamie Mann (Photo/Curtis & Cort)
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John Noble writes: “I live near Earthplace, and walk by this house on Woodside Avenue almost every day.
It’s a teardown. I totally get it — but why did the developer take down over 17 large mature trees to create this eyesore of a lot now? There’s always 2 sides to a story, but as a neighbor this tree obliteration really bugs me.”
(Photo/John Noble)
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The Westport Library is seeking candidates for its Board of Trustees. Of particular interest: people with expertise in finance, fundraising and development for non-profits; knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media and information technology, or a background in municipal government and/or not-for-profit law.
Trustees serve 4-yeare terms. Click here for more information.Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to rpowell@westportlibrary.org. The deadline is April 19.
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Westporter Ana Cristina Purcell died on March 16. She was 68.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she immigrated with her parents to the US in the 1950s.
Ana was a graduate of Staples High School. She served as the office administrator for Purcell Moving Corporation, a family-owned business, for over 20 years. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Lawrence; daughter Cristina; son Shane (Jennifer Soyeck); sister Julia Huber; niece Rachel Greene; nephew Philip Huber, and grandchildren TJ Altman, Kroy Purcell and Camilla Purcell.
Harding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Services will be held at Assumption Church this Saturday (March 27, 11 a.m.). After, close friends and family are welcome to their home to share memories of her life.
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And finally … happy 67th birthday to legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.
They beat High Point by a whopping 102-59 on Sunday. Tonight (9 p.m.) they face Syracuse. Go Huskies!
Just wanted to mention about flying your drone at compo beach. The Oystercatchers will attack the drone and defend their nests, so it would be advised to save your droning until the chicks are gone. Little FYI.
Thanks John, important safety tip.
Go Orange!
Sorry to hear about Ana Garrito Purcell. I knew her in high school and until a few years ago. Purcell moved us from Owenoke to Overlook rd. Shane helped and it was very affordable! I used to walk with her when my kids were in school and I went to Assumption Church also. I never knew her very well but a long time. She was my age and I am curious to what took her. I am sorry for many reasons. I talked to her a few years ago on the phone and about the move. I am very sorry.
As for why some property owners clear cut the trees on their property is BECAUSE THEY CAN. Sadly, many folks choose to tear down beautiful homes, and replace them with cookie cutter houses….. and there is nothing we can do about it… it stinks. I’m a tree lover, and it makes me so sad to see this happen
So sorry to hear about Ana Garrito Purcell… we were friends I jr high and high school! I saw her at reunions and she always had that sly, beautiful smile and a great laugh… man it stinks to grow up…