We invite you to participate in our annual spring migratory bird count on Sunday, May 12th, as we observe the return of migratory birds to their northern breeding grounds after wintering in warmer climates.
Photo: Michele Klimczak
Join us in charting these bird populations alongside esteemed experts such as Dr. Adam Mitchell from Tarleton State University, and the University of Delaware team, including Emily Baisden and Will Almeida.
What: FI Conservancy 2024 Spring Migratory Bird Count
When: Sunday, May 12, 8am—10:30am
Where: Meet outside the Fishers Island Community Center & BYOBinocular
Following Audubon bird count rules, birders will make 15 five-minute stops from the West End to the East End of Fishers Island. At each timed stop, birders count birds and call out what they see. Our experts will lead the count and answer your questions about migratory birds.
We hope to see you at this fun, informative outdoor event, celebrating the spring season at Fishers Island.
FIConservancy Team
Pollinator Paradise
From the Field, Video SnippetsA warm summer breeze sweeps through the John Thatcher Native Garden on Fishers Island, causing the sunflowers (Helianthus) to sway gracefully. In this setting, pollinators such as bees are seen actively engaged in foraging, their delicate movements contributing to the garden’s ecological vibrancy.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Anna White, July 10, 2023
Dinner Time
From the Field, Video SnippetsAs the evening appears on Fishers Island, so does an American mink (Neovison vison), who navigates the rocky shoreline hunting for his evening meal. After a brief swim, the mink emerges victorious, clutching an eel in its jaws. Satisfied with its catch, the mink retreats to a secluded spot to enjoy its nourishing meal, ensuring a full belly for the night ahead in its coastal habitat.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Anna White, July 16, 2023
Day’s End Drift
From the Field, Video SnippetsAs dusk settles over the Long Island Sound near Fishers Island, a family of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) drifting peacefully on the calm waves
From the Field, Video Snippet, Anna White, June 18, 2024
Dusk Delight
From the Field, Video SnippetsA Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) enjoys the evening as dusk settles after a warm summer day on Fishers Island. Terns playfully fly around him, keeping him company.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Anna White, June 18, 2024
Piping Plover Showdown
From the Field, Video SnippetsDuring a survey for the NY DEC Long Island Colonial Waterbird surveys, 23-24 summer intern Anna W. spotted an intense plover brawl on South Beach. It looks like two distinct plover groups are in a serious territorial debate. Based on the fierce fighting, we believe these birds are either prospecting for a nesting location or have recently started a new nest, moving in on a pair that is already established with a nest.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Anna White, June 18, 2024
Protecting Our Feathered Friends
Conservancy News, Feature, From the Field, News, StewardshipReviving Battery Marcy
Feature, NewsSunset on the Beach 2024
Current Events, Events, NewsIndividual Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Please join us July 20th to celebrate the work we are doing together to conserve and preserve Fishers Island.
2024 Spring Migratory Bird Count Results
Current Events, Events, Feature, NewsAnnouncing the results of the Spring 2024 Migratory Bird Count
We are excited to share the official tally of bird species encountered during our annual bird count, along with the “running count” that includes birds observed over the past two days. This springs birding event was remarkable, marking our most impressive count yet, with a grand total of 68 species recorded during the count. Adding the additional 8 species spotted in the running count, we reached an impressive total of 76 species! (See list of bird species below.)
Despite the chill, which might have deterred the raptors, we enjoyed a dry day with intermittent sunshine—a beautiful setting for our bird count. It’s no surprise that our most significant sightings occurred in areas rich with native flora. One highlight was the spotting of the Blue Winged Warbler. Remarkably, we hadn’t encountered one since our first watch over a decade ago, and yesterday, we were fortunate to observe three. Truly wonderful!
Bird counts play a pivotal role in understanding and preserving the rich biodiversity of our island. By documenting avian species year after year, we gain invaluable insights into the health of our island’s ecosystems, informing conservation efforts and ensuring a sustainable future for both our feathered friends and our community.
Here’s the list of species we encountered in our Spring 2024 Migratory Bird Count.
Thank you to all who participated.
2024 Spring Migratory Bird Count
Current Events, Events, NewsWe invite you to participate in our annual spring migratory bird count on Sunday, May 12th, as we observe the return of migratory birds to their northern breeding grounds after wintering in warmer climates.
Photo: Michele Klimczak
Join us in charting these bird populations alongside esteemed experts such as Dr. Adam Mitchell from Tarleton State University, and the University of Delaware team, including Emily Baisden and Will Almeida.
What: FI Conservancy 2024 Spring Migratory Bird Count
When: Sunday, May 12, 8am—10:30am
Where: Meet outside the Fishers Island Community Center & BYOBinocular
Following Audubon bird count rules, birders will make 15 five-minute stops from the West End to the East End of Fishers Island. At each timed stop, birders count birds and call out what they see. Our experts will lead the count and answer your questions about migratory birds.
We hope to see you at this fun, informative outdoor event, celebrating the spring season at Fishers Island.
FIConservancy Team