Some boats have been put away and the people who own them have begun their migrations to points near (Brunswick) and far (Coronado). Nature is telling us change is in the air as some leaves have started to lose their color and a few have even fallen from one of our birch trees. Another sign; a large chevron of geese flew over me headed south. The direction may have only been a coincidence as it seems they are hanging out here year round, but perhaps, last winter was a bit too cold for their liking and they have voted that a journey to warmer temps might be a good idea.

It appears Phil Roberts has bought a new flag for his new boat. He is proudly flying a flamingo - perhaps as an ode to our beloved Philbert, who sadly, has not made an appearance on our shores this year. Is Captain Craig to blame?

Now, considering the shenanigans of years past, it is possible that said flag could be the nefarious actions of some jokester(s), but it is a mystery as Phil couldn’t be reached by press time.

My apologies to any crow lovers out there (I realize they are super intelligent - no bird brains there) but the other day I saw a small hawk chasing a crow. It gladdened my heart as I often see the crows and sparrows chasing the bald eagles. It was nice to see them get a taste of their own medicine, until I did a bit more research. Turns out it was probably a sharp-shinned hawk which tend to feed on songbirds. “Operation Attract More Hawks” is over before it began.

While some boats have left their moorings, it’s nice to see Pamela back on hers. I’m sure she will be out on the water until the very last day of the season - unless Chris again ignores his GPS while night cruising.

A belated congratulations to whoever the Just Married sign on the stern of the Nellie G was for!

Speaking of congratulations, this just in, a big welcome to our newest Bayvillian and member of Seawall Cottage. Grandparents Pam and Craig report that “Isabel Frances Sillin arrived on 8/12 weighing in at a perfectly respectable 7 pound 15 ounces. Both parents and Izzy are doing well. Grandparents don’t know what to do with themselves!” My guess is Izzy will be swimming well before she is walking.

More big news is the “Drive for 25” update. We not only hit the Sue Bradley match, but exceeded it and I think the same will be said for our goal! The drive continues until the end of the month, so there are still a few days to add your name to the list. Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far and a huge shoutout to the Bradley family!

Julie O’Brien Merrill (I’ve heard some of her younger students would get confused and call her Mrs Brian O’Merrill) is always great about giving news to the Buzz. This year was no exception, but sometimes I save stories for a rainy (or foggy) day. So here is her news from earlier this summer.

David and I have been away from Bayville for a while and will return this week for a few days before heading to Monhegan for a week with friends. We had an amazing time on the schooner Ladona out of Rockland, sailing to some "Secret spots around Mount Desert Island" for seven nights with Captain J.R. Braugh and an amazing crew. Our weather was perfect with fair winds, good company, and excellent food cooked by Chef Ana. We had previously been to many of these stunning places on Mary Alice and missed her, while not having any responsibility or worries.

Lawn Cottage has been at full capacity with the excitement of the Friendship Sloop Regatta this past week. Since we haven't been there in person, I can only report second hand. We heard that the wild winds in Rockland prevented Celebration from racing on Thursday and Friday - wise choice from Skipper Bryce, along with most of the Friendship Sloop skippers. I am not sure what happened yesterday. Celebration intends to return to Bayville today with Bryce, Luke, and Nathaniel Merrill bringing her back to her mooring.

Thank you for that Julie! And finally, in a case of botched facial recognition and misguided Buzz reporting, it was actually Julie Brooke who injured her knee, not Julie O’Brien Merrill. Yes, even the Buzz makes mistakes - and sometimes admits to them. If there is anything you would like to admit, send your confessions to the jeffallison@gmail.com and have a great week!