Piping Plover morning tidal wrack line
Field NotesFrom the Field

Move Over For This Endangered Plover!

by fic0n5erv

Piping Plover morning tidal wrack line

Great news!

I spied this Piping plover on Chocomount beach mid-week. Note the single black neck- band (breeding plumage) and sand colored camouflage. I was happy to see it feeding within the morning tidal wrack line; deposits from healthy Seagrass (Eel grass) meadows that surround Fishers Island. This shorebird species is listed as threatened in Connecticut and endangered in New York.

*Please be mindful about leashing dogs on beach walks during these nesting weeks.

– Field Note by Justine Kibbe May 10, 2018

Piping Plover

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Field NotesFrom the Field

Ribbon & Balloon Debris-Tying in with Island Stewardship

by fic0n5erv

Marine debris is very apparent clogged within harbors, coves, and washed ashore on all beaches of Fishers Island. While most items of trash are more obvious, I include here the most insidious…ribbon and balloon along with fishing line, which have become a constant observation in any daily data collected. This incoming debris is slowly but steadily becoming treacherous to sea life and shorebirds that “are” our Island. Here is recent culprit on Big Club beach & older photo of entangled bird on South beach.

– Field Note by Justine Kibbe May 2, 2018

Fishing Line Debris

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controlled burn
grasslands restorationNews

2018 Grassland Restoration Controlled Burn

by Betty Ann Rubinow

2018 controlled burn at Battery Marcy, east of the airport. Jane Ahrens Photo

The Fishers Island Fire Department, in coordination with FIConservancy, annually conducts controlled or “prescribed” burns in the Parade Grounds and surrounding areas that are part of the Conservancy’s Grassland Restoration project.

Fire is necessary to maintain grassland, and different sections are burned on a rotating basis every three years, with careful exclusion of nesting bird areas.

John Sargent wrote a thoughtful and comprehensive story about the 2018 controlled burn.

Read story
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Hunting for Evidence of Ancient Hurricanes
News

Hunting for Evidence of Ancient Hurricanes in Fishers Island Ponds

by fic0n5erv

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) Coastal Systems Group (CSG) is hunting for evidence of ancient (paleo) hurricanes, and the clues lie in the mud deposited at the bottom of these ponds. “We look for layers of sand that may have been washed over with hurricane storm surge. These layers of sand originating on the beach and carried by the waves and high waters, cover the mud and offer clues about when and how large the storm may have been.” As a precursor to collecting the deep cores of mud from the bottom of the ponds, the team from Woods Hole first needed to determine several bits of information such as: How deep are the ponds? Are they fresh, brackish or salty? For how long have the ponds been there? And are they susceptible to hurricanes of the past tracking along the eastern seaboard?

WHOI visited Fishers Island on June 12, 2014 in an effort to gain scientific information about several ponds on the east end of the Island. With the help of Fishers Island Naturalist Justine Kibbe and Island Sentinel Conner Wakeman, they surveyed the ponds using a skiff (special thanks to Steve Malinowski) kayak and canoe, and utilized scientific equipment such as a depth gun and CTD (Conductivity/salinity, Temperature, Depth) to make measurements.

The ultimate goal was to map the ponds then revisit sites and core 30 feet into the mud to find layers of sand deposited from past hurricanes. The historic record, collected from human observation and tide gauge data, gives us only a short history of hurricane events (about 150 years), whereas a 2,000 year story is preserved in the mud.

Woods Hole Oceanographic institute will be back to core Island Pond sometime over the summer….stay tuned.

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Bird Count birders
Eventsgrasslands restorationNews

Spring Migration Bird Count May 6

by fic0n5erv

FIConservancy’s annual Spring Migration Bird Count will be Sunday May 6.

First, however, come to the Parade Grounds Sat. May 5 at 3 p.m. for a brief tour and a tutorial by the experts on the best way to count birds. The University of Delaware team of Adam Mitchell, Emily Baisden and Will Aleida will lead the bird count and be available to answer all questions about migratory birds.

FIConservancy President Tom Sargent and his wife Allison will host a reception at their house Sat. May 5 at 6:30 p.m. for all those participating in the Spring Migration Bird Count and for anyone else interested in meeting the University of Delaware experts.

The Spring Migration Bird Count begins Sun. May 6 at 8 a.m. Meet at the Community Center and bring your binoculars!

 

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News

President’s Message: 2018

by fic0n5erv

Restored grassland at Parade Grounds.

It is hard to believe that spring is upon us when the biggest snow storm of the season has just blanketed the east coast. But Red Wing Blackbirds have returned to the island and the White Throated Sparrow could be heard calling “Sam Peabody Sam Peabody” shortly thereafter – a sure sign that the seasonal shift is now upon us.

Tom Sargent

Soon, many of us will be returning to Fishers Island and to the beauty and serenity that the island provides. With summer fast approaching, we at the Fishers Island Conservancy have been getting to work planning exciting initiatives and programs. One of our first yearly projects is our seasonal burn that took place in February in partnership with the Fire Department. Our ongoing work will continue in the Sanctuary with remediation to tackle invasives while over seeding with native grasses and wild flowers. Look for additional bird boxes to provide nesting spots for the Eastern Bluebird as well as abundant Tree Swallows.

Stop by the Demonstration Garden and see how well it fared over the winter and watch it slowly wake with the longer days. Sit on one of the benches and observe the host of wildlife that our native flora attracts. We will have more benches throughout the sanctuary to invite contemplation and a chance to disconnect for a little while. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the Northern Harriers that call the sanctuary home. It’s a truly wonderful sight.

The Conservancy will continue to work with Professors Doug Tallamy and Adam Mitchell from the University of Delaware. We will hold our Spring Migration Bird Count the first weekend in May, which promises to be enlightening and fun. All are welcome to go birding with some of the best. The Weed Team from the university will be returning again this June so please say hello when you see them in the field. We will be joined by the Delaware folks in both July and August for the Conservancy’s Sunset on the Beach (Saturday July 21st) as well as Nature Days (Aug.11th). Please stay tuned for specific program events.

In addition to our work in the Sanctuary, our island naturalist Justine Kibbe, has been continuing to engage our students in the Island Sentinels program. She also provides real time year round observations that enhance our understanding of the island’s place in the natural world. We will be welcoming back those involved in eco friendly mosquito control and will perform occasional water testing to assure our beaches and waterways stay as clean as possible. As always, we will work in concert with homeowners to offer remediation plans to further eradicate the “foreign invaders” that disrupt and overwhelm our native species.

As you think of the coming summer and the precious beauty of the Atlantic coast, please remember the Fishers Island Conservancy in your giving plans. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

For the Conservancy,
Tom Sargent, President

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President's Message

President’s Message: 2018

by fic0n5erv

President’s Message: 2018

It is hard to believe that spring is upon us when the biggest snow storm of the season has just blanketed the east coast. But Red Wing Blackbirds have returned to the island and the White Throated Sparrow could be heard calling “Sam Peabody Sam Peabody” shortly thereafter – a sure sign that the seasonal shift is now upon us.

Tom Sargent

Soon, many of us will be returning to Fishers Island and to the beauty and serenity that the island provides. With summer fast approaching, we at the Fishers Island Conservancy have been getting to work planning exciting initiatives and programs. One of our first yearly projects is our seasonal burn that took place in February in partnership with the Fire Department. Our ongoing work will continue in the Sanctuary with remediation to tackle invasives while over seeding with native grasses and wild flowers. Look for additional bird boxes to provide nesting spots for the Eastern Bluebird as well as abundant Tree Swallows.

Stop by the Demonstration Garden and see how well it fared over the winter and watch it slowly wake with the longer days. Sit on one of the benches and observe the host of wildlife that our native flora attracts. We will have more benches throughout the sanctuary to invite contemplation and a chance to disconnect for a little while. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the Northern Harriers that call the sanctuary home. It’s a truly wonderful sight.

The Conservancy will continue to work with Professors Doug Tallamy and Adam Mitchell from the University of Delaware. We will hold our Spring Migration Bird Count the first weekend in May, which promises to be enlightening and fun. All are welcome to go birding with some of the best. The Weed Team from the university will be returning again this June so please say hello when you see them in the field. We will be joined by the Delaware folks in both July and August for the Conservancy’s Sunset on the Beach (Saturday July 21st) as well as Nature Days (Aug.11th). Please stay tuned for specific program events.

In addition to our work in the Sanctuary, our island naturalist Justine Kibbe, has been continuing to engage our students in the Island Sentinels program. She also provides real time year round observations that enhance our understanding of the island’s place in the natural world. We will be welcoming back those involved in eco friendly mosquito control and will perform occasional water testing to assure our beaches and waterways stay as clean as possible. As always, we will work in concert with homeowners to offer remediation plans to further eradicate the “foreign invaders” that disrupt and overwhelm our native species.

As you think of the coming summer and the precious beauty of the Atlantic coast, please remember the Fishers Island Conservancy in your giving plans. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

For the Conservancy,
Tom Sargent, President

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Plastic bag debris
From the FieldStewardshipVideo Snippets

Speaking Out About Plastic Debris

by fic0n5erv

We see it so often here on Fishers Island that I just can’t “bag it!” (hush up about it!)
Why bring our own satchels and shopping totes to market?
“The answer is blowin in the wind”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 18, 2018

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Marine Debris
Beach CleanupFrom the FieldStewardshipVideo Snippets

Constant Battle Marine Debris

by fic0n5erv

Storms surrounding Fishers Island only deliver marine debris “faster” into our precious coves, harbors and surrounding coastline –we are, though, everyday constantly under “siege”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 2, 2018

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Battery Marcy, after the 2018 prescribed burn
grasslands restorationNews

FI Conservancy Controlled Burn 2018

by fic0n5erv

Battery Marcy, after the 2018 prescribed burn

Battery Marcy, after the 2018 prescribed burn.

In February, FIConservancy proceeded with its annual prescribed burn. The burn is critical to maintaining grassland restoration. We are grateful for our partnership with the Fishers Island Fire Department for the annual burns and with the Fishers Island Ferry District for the opportunity to establish grassland restoration on grounds owned by Southold and managed by the Ferry District. Click for more information on: Why We Burn.

FIFerry District 2016 Burn Plan

FIFerry District 2018 Burn Plan

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