Although the 2019 Fall Migratory Bird Count began under an overcast sky, thick with clouds and fog, birders observed a total of 45 species for this year’s survey, which fell within the range of average for past counts in the fall. The number of individuals observed, however, was far below average: Most species (39 of 45) encountered were represented by only one or two birds.
This female yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) was sauntering across the Recreational Path east of the driving range in mid-September.
Crickets here are still high-pitched and butterflies are still high flying. Swirling within clusters of busy dragonflies, and darting past reigning Monarchs, is the Orange Sulphur. While this insect varies in color, it appears nearly neon against tawny grasses or nearly invisible within honeysuckle and clover.
These quiet days of September are perfect for learning more about butterflies. Find a bench warmed by the sun within native meadows across from Silver Eel Cove, and you’re bound to see just how “social” these brilliantly colored insects are, flitting from one flower to the next. This painted lady butterfly is one of the most ubiquitous butterflies in the world.
The goldfinch can be identified by its vibrant yellow plumage accented by bold black streaks. These birds are common and can be seen in a variety of places on Fishers Island. Locations of sightings include, but are not limited to, the Parade Grounds, South Beach, Dock Beach and the Ferry Dock. Their diet consists mainly […]
For many diverse species of shorebirds, Fishers Island has become the best “next stop” for fall migration, with tepid tidal pools, thick salted wrack lines and sand dunes buffered with tall beach grass. Birds returning to this ideal habitat feed, rest and recover morning, noon and night.
Mark your calendars for the 2019 Fall Migration Bird Count Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at the Island Community Center. Bring binoculars.
The Common Buckeye Butterfly is another beautiful pollinator, in addition to the Monarch Butterfly, drawn to goldenrod in late summer.
As evening light overshadows and cricket’s echo dims– See beams of setting sunshine pass though butterfly wings. And feel breeze–fly above and beyond wispy meadow grasses. *Parade Grounds, Fishers Island From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 4, 2019
There have been numerous requests for “Fishers Island Seed Mix” used in FIConservancy’s grassland restoration project on the Parade Grounds and adjacent to South Beach and Elizabeth Airport. The seeds can be purchased at Ernst Conservation Seeds, the largest native seed producer and supplier in the eastern United States.