Yesterday, “06880” offered tips on keeping pets safe and calm during tomorrow’s fireworks.
But what about American oystercatchers, the bird species whose nesting area is roped off and protected just west of the Compo Beach cannons? What happens when hundreds of people descend on the area for the pyrotechnics — which then go BOOM! for a solid half hour?
Jess Esposito Halka posted this yesterday, on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page:
Please try to keep at least a 25-foot buffer along the fenced nesting area, so that staff are able to move freely around the fenced area to monitor the birds before and during the event.
Nothing should hang, hover or lean against or over the fencing. If something accidentally blows into the area and you need to retrieve it, please locate an Audubon staff member to retrieve the item.
“The area behind the nesting area (closer to the sidewalk) is still a safe place to set up. But please keep space between your belongings and the fence for staff and other attendees to walk by along the outside of the fence.
“Please avoid walk through the water below the fence.
“Thank you all so much for your extra efforts this season. It has made a significant difference.
This nesting pair of American oystercatchers are the only successful mainland breeders in the entire state this season, with 1 healthy 3-week-old chick!” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Protect our American oystercatchers! (Photo/Jess Esposito Halka)
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Speaking of the environment: Longshore Sailing School cares about the water — and the coast.
On Saturday, they sponsored a coastal cleanup.
Kayaks were free — so long as kayakers removed garbage and debris from the shoreline and Saugatuck River.
Nearly 4 dozen concerned cleaner-uppers found dozens of golf balls — presumably from the nearby driving range at Hendrick’s Point.
Two folks found industrial construction material. They won t-shirts, for the largest trash pickup of the day.
From golf balls to building materials: Thank you, all who helped.
And thanks to Longshore Sailing School too!
PS: Don’t worry. They’ve sponsored these events before. There will be more to come.
And more trash, unfortunately, to haul out.
Kayak cleanup (Hat tip and photo/Brandon Malin)
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We’re just a day away from the fireworks.
This morning, one of the most important parts of the preparation began:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Thirteen years ago, People Magazine covered the marriage of actress Eva Amurri and Kyle Martino, the 1999 Staples High School graduate/former US men’s national team player.
The couple moved to Westport and had 3 children, but divorced 5 years ago.
Now People has covered her second marriage. This weekend, Amurri — the daughter of Susan Sarandon, who is also a lifestyle blogger and still lives here — married chef Ian Hock, in the Hudson Valley.
Click here for the full story.
Eva Amurri and Ian Hock (Photo/Taralynn Lawson for People magazine)
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Hey! Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the side that’s supposed to be recycled. Not the one you’re using!
(Photo/Robert Mitchell)
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And finally … Kinky Friedman — the singer/humorist/quasi-politician best known for his band, the provocatively named Texas Jewboys — died Thursday near Austin. He was 79, and suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
Click here for a full obituary.
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