Entries by Betty Ann Rubinow

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Snapping Snapshot

Rising up from murky and shadowy pond waters, a curious snapping turtle along South Beach Road. *Race Rock Garden Co., Fishers Island From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 23, 2019

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Oystercatcher Catch-up

Today there are two pairs of American oystercatchers documented within the Sanctuary of Sands along Elizabeth Field runway. Three piping plover are noted as well. Kindly continue to tread lightly, and PLEASE leash all dogs. From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 22, 2019

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The Beat Goes On*

These days we’re likely to hear the “drumming” of woodpeckers, as they stake their territories with bills rapidly tapping midst the still bare and budding trees. Here, a male Red-bellied woodpecker fuels up on his neighbor’s pheasant food. *West End, Fishers Island From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 22, 2019

Beaver Believers

Multiple people reported late afternoon beaver sightings on the West End in April. The first was April 18 near the airport, and the second was April 19 at the Gatehouse. This is a good thing! Beavers are critical to the healthy ecology of streams and wetlands.

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Kestral’s Keep

Last year, Islander Ken Edwards placed a large bird box constructed for the American Kestral within Parade Grounds meadows maintained by Fishers Island Conservancy. We are all hoping this smallest and most delicate falcon will nest. Today, I was happy to see three Kestrals diving and darting, hunting and hovering midst trees closest to South […]

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Wise One West*

Within the warmth of a blue-sky day, a Barred owl hides out West End, Fishers Island. My neck of the woods… From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 16, 2019

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Into the Woods

Into the Woods* These particular weeks of Spring, before foliage takes to bud and bloom, be sure to peek into the woods and spy a Barred owl basking in the sunlight… *West End, Fishers Island From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, April 16, 2019

The Burn: How It’s Done

The Fishers Island Fire Department (FIFD) reported a successful planned burn Mar. 27 of 36.04 acres of restored grasslands along the airport runway and on the Parade Grounds. But what do our volunteers actually do to conduct a safe burn in specifically prescribed areas? Don Beck, FIConservancy Board Member and Fishers Island Club golf course superintendent explains…

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Forage Afloat

This juvenile (1st yr. plumage) Common Eider grabs a bite of aquatic plant growth from under the floating FIDCO dock, Silver eel Cove. From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, April 11, 2019