Looks Like Stormy Weather

Today we are experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Ida!

same view/calm day!

Below is the warning posted on the weather sites:

HIGH SURF EXPECTED THROUGH SATURDAY...
THE COMBINATION OF STRONG EAST TO NORTHEAST WINDS... LONG PERIOD OCEAN SWELLS... AND HIGH ASTRONOMICAL TIDES IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE WIDESPREAD MINOR TO LOCALIZED MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING DURING THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING HIGH TIDE CYCLE.

storm waves

The Weather reports sound so dramatic sometimes! And it is true that our lights are flickering and the beach is under water. Autumn storms are quite exciting! Often in their aftermath, I find excellent “treasure” for my winter projects.

All-time best find-

My daughter found this a week or so ago! I was soooo jealous! I thought it was the front or "apron" of a small chest or table but she saw it as the foot of a child's tiny bed...so exceptional.

In the days immediately after most storms, the beach is swept as clear and pristine as a concrete airport runway. But was the waves subside, interesting objects are gently washed ashore.

This is one of two "shelves" I found. Below is a sketch of what it might someday become.....

***

And this is an autumn survivor urn of flowers, still so pretty! With a large driftwood piece used as a wind support and sculpture.

Autumn storms can also bring an influx of migratory birds. Folk wisdom claims the tiny creatures use the winds to carry them south, an express ride on their autumn journeys. True or not, our dunes and tress are suddenly animated, filled with flocks of warblers and kinglets. The sky is filled with immense black flocks like pepper strewn on a countertop---blackbirds and starlings, the occasional flock of wild doves and pigeons. The beach is not home to many songbirds so the sight of the birds as they pass by is quite special. My favorites are the Yellow Rumped warblers who look like brown sparrows until they flit away---so shy!---and show their bright yellow spot above their tails. They love the seedheads of our beach grasses on the dunes.

 

And sometimes a storm brings a rare and wonderful traveller like this spectacular blue Painted Bunting!

 

Safe travels to everyone on a stormy night!