Sentinels

A Growing Record of Island Sentinel Observations

by Anna White

Sentinel Data 2018-2024

Since 2018, the Island Sentinel program has built a consistent record of observations across ten monitoring sites on Fishers Island. These observations reflect what Sentinels are seeing on the ground and along the shoreline, season after season.

Between 2018 and 2024, Sentinels recorded thousands of individual observations across a wide range of categories. Together, these entries help illustrate how different sites are used, which species are present, and how conditions vary across the island.

Most observations fall into the following categories:

  • Bird observations, which make up the largest portion of recorded data

  • Human activity, including recreation and site use

  • Insects and other wildlife

  • Boats and vessel activity

  • Seaweed, natural debris, and marine debris

The most commonly observed birds are Eider Ducks, Herring Gulls, and Cormorants. However, NYSDEC endangered species such as Piping Plovers are also observed at many sites.

Observations taken by Sentinels are categorized by data
type. These include:

  • Bird – 71.3%

  • Mammal – 1.5%

  • Vessel/Boat – 3.9%

  • Human Activity – 14.7%

  • Seaweed – 0.9%

  • Natural Debris – 0.6%

  • Mollusk – 0.4%

  • Bivalve – 0%

  • Crustacean – 0.4%

  • Human Debris – 0.9%

  • Insect – 5.4%

  • Reptile – 0%

It can be seen here that bird observations are by far the most
common with 2476 (71.3%) recorded observations over seven
years. Human activity is the second most observed with 509
(14.7%). Next are boat/vessel and insect observations 135
(3.9%) & 187 (5.4%), respectively.

Bird observations account for the majority of entries, reflecting both the visibility of birds across the island and the importance of Fishers Island as habitat for coastal and migratory species. 

As the program continues, this growing body of observations adds to our understanding of Fishers Island as a living system shaped by both natural processes and human presence. Each season builds on the last, strengthening the record and providing perspective on how conditions shift across the island over time.

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News

2026 Shorebird Season- Coming Soon

by Anna White

Shorebird Season 2026 Is Almost Here!

Shorebird season is just around the corner, and with it comes our annual reminder that it’s almost time to share the shore. In the coming weeks, piping plovers and least terns will begin returning to Fishers Island to nest and raise their young. Their arrival is one of the sure signs that spring is settling in.

When the Birds Arrive

Piping Plovers

  • Typically begin arriving in late March through April

  • Establish territories and begin nesting by late April into May

  • Chicks hatch in June

  • Most chicks fledge by early July, often around July 4, unless there is nest failure or renesting

Least Terns

  • Usually arrive a bit later, in mid to late May

  • Nest in small colonies on open sandy areas

  • Eggs are typically laid in June

  • Chicks hatch from late June into July

Both species nest directly on the sand, which makes them especially vulnerable to disturbance, predators, and weather.

What We’ll Be Doing

Like last year, we will be installing symbolic fencing around active nesting areas once birds establish territories.

  • Fencing helps reduce disturbance during nesting and chick rearing.

  • It is temporary and will remain in place only until chicks have successfully fledged.

  • If nests fail and birds renest, fencing timelines may shift accordingly.

Throughout the season, we will conduct regular monitoring visits to document nest activity, track chick development, record productivity and assess disturbances and habitat conditions.

We follow established state and regional monitoring protocols so the data collected here contributes to broader Long Island and Atlantic Coast recovery efforts. This ensures our work is both locally grounded and scientifically meaningful.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like a deeper look at our priorities, monitoring structure, and management approach for this year, please read our full Shorebird Program Plan for 2026.

2026 Shorebird Plan

Upcoming Fencing Installation

As part of our early season preparations, New York DEC biologist Sean Wiedemann will be coming to Fishers Island on April 9th  to assist with installing symbolic fencing around anticipated nesting areas.

If you would like to volunteer to help with fencing installation that day, please reach out to Anna directly to let her know. It’s a great way to be involved at the very beginning of shorebird season and to support hands-on conservation work on the beach.

We’re looking forward to another season of careful stewardship, science-based monitoring, and community support!

FI Conservancy

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NewsPresident's Message

President’s Message 2025

by Anna White

Thank you for your ongoing support of Fishers Island Conservancy!

Dear Friends of Fishers Island,

FI Conservancy President Tom Sargent

It’s hard to believe that Halloween has come and gone and we are at the edge of the holiday season. 2025 has been a very busy year for the Fishers Island Conservancy, in fact, our busiest year ever. We expanded every program and have added several new initiatives and collaborations.

This year the Conservancy continued its participation in the Long Island Colonial Waterbird Surveys, working alongside the NYSDEC and the NY Audubon Society. Through this collaboration we have helped install protective fencing each spring from April until the young birds fledge around July 1st. This effort gives these vulnerable Piping Plovers a better chance to nest and raise their chicks safely. The results this year were very encouraging. In 2025 we recorded five nesting pairs with at least 12 eggs laid, 10 hatched and 7 fledglings. That’s a productivity rate of 1.4 fledging’s per pair, right on track with the NY region’s average. As we move into next year, we’ll continue our partnership and work towards maintaining that 1.5 fledging benchmark. We held spring and fall island Audubon migratory line counts giving us a full decade of observation and scientific data.

We held spring and fall island Audubon migratory line counts giving us a full decade of observation and scientific data.

We collaborated with the island community on the promotion and importance of native plants and plantings to enhance the strength of local ecosystems and food webs.

The Conservancy accessed licensed environmental contractors to help coordinate the removal and management of invasive phragmites from some of our most sensitive wetland habitats on private properties. 2026 will be a threshold year as this program gains big momentum.

We continued our partnership with the Fishers Island Ferry District on the management of the Ft. Wright and Elizabeth Field parade grounds. At 175 acres, this coastal meadow restoration is one of the largest projects of its kind on the east coast and is now in its 13th year.

Our relationship with Dr. Adam Mitchell and Tarleton St. University of Texas grew this year. We welcomed six graduate students who gathered scientific data on the health of the parade grounds habitat and worked on the removal of invasive plant species. Led by PhD candidate Tyler McMahon, these young men and women worked tirelessly not only in the parade grounds, but could also be seen helping out in various spots on the island for other island conservation efforts. Stay tuned for their published findings.

This August, the Conservancy joined with the Ferguson Museum, Brad and Mary Burnham, Waste Management and others to create the Silver Eel Coastal Path connecting Ferry Park to the Race. This connector highlights a somewhat forgotten but beautiful stretch of our
wonderful coastline.

Nature Day, held on the first weekend in August, attracted our biggest crowd in years. This event caters to our youngest constituency, but there were plenty of adults equally fascinated with the insects, amphibians and raptors on display from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, and they welcomed the chance to learn about our local flora and fauna.

Lastly, we are very lucky to have Dr. Douglas Tallamy, PhD emeritus chair of the Entomology Department at the University of Delaware, as our advisor. Dr. Tallamy is a New York Times bestselling author and is one of the foremost authorities on habitat restoration and native plants’ role in healthy ecosystems in the U.S. Dr. Tallamy has been working with the Conservancy for over a decade, and so it was with great enthusiasm that we awarded our first ever Conservancy Medal of Honor to him. This is our highest commendation, and it is awarded in recognition of eminent service to the understanding, education, environmental stewardship, and protection of our environment. In fact, our medal carries his name: the Douglas W. Tallamy Medal of Honor. Doug is a true friend of the Conservancy and well deserving of this inaugural award.

There is so much more to talk about in 2025 but space prevents it. Please check out our website fishersislandconservancy.org for much more information on the ways we support our fragile island ecosystems. We are a busy and robust organization but without the broad support from the island community, we couldn’t do our important work. Your generosity has been outstanding, and we are deeply grateful. So this is where I ask for your help once again.

Please remember, a gift to the Fishers Island Conservancy is a gift to Fishers Island.

Thank you,

Cheers Tom

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Current EventsEventsNews

What to Do if You Find a Stranded Animal

by Anna White

What to Do if You Encounter a Stranded Marine Animal

While it’s not uncommon to see seals resting on Fishers Island’s beaches, there are times when a marine mammal may need help. Seals often haul out on land to rest, warm up, or digest food – this is a normal and healthy behavior. However, if you’re unsure whether an animal is just resting or in distress, it’s always best to notify professionals.

What to Do First

The first step is to call the Mystic Aquarium Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (860) 572-5955 x107.
This ensures there’s an official record of your report and allows their trained team to coordinate a proper response.

  • The animal’s exact location (GPS coordinates)
  • A photo taken from a safe distance
  • Notes about the animal’s behavior, such as alertness, responsiveness, or visible injuries

Understanding Normal Seal Behavior

Seals on beaches do not always need help. They haul out naturally and do not need to be wet at all times. Resting on shore is part of their normal routine and allows them to conserve energy and regulate body temperature.

A healthy seal will often appear alert and responsive and may rest in a “banana pose” – with its head and tail lifted off the ground. This posture indicates that the animal is relaxed and comfortable.

Keep Your Distance

Please keep at least 150 feet away from all marine mammals. This is required by federal law under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A simple way to check your distance is to hold your thumb out at arm’s length: if you can completely cover the seal with your thumb, you’re far enough away.

  • Never touch, feed, or approach a seal
  • Do not stand over or near the animal’s head or flippers
  • Keep dogs leashed and well away
  • Remember that seals can carry zoonotic diseases, which can spread to humans and pets. Always observe from a distance
Photo by fishersnaturalist (iNaturalist 2017)

Local Certified Responders

Fishers Island is fortunate to have several certified responders through Mystic Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program. These volunteers are trained annually to help assess, monitor, and assist with marine mammal strandings and sightings on the island.

As of October 2025, the following individuals are certified and available to assist when needed:

Note: Only volunteers who are certified and current on their annual recertification are eligible to assist with a stranding response.

Fishers Island Conservancy’s Role

The Fishers Island Conservancy works closely with Mystic Aquarium and maintains on-island response gear, including a transport crate and other necessary equipment. If you reach out to the Conservancy, they can help connect you with certified volunteers, but please call the Mystic Aquarium hotline first to file an official report.

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer?

The Conservancy and Mystic Aquarium partner each year to provide marine mammal response training on Fishers Island.
If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer in the future, please contact:
Karissa McNair, Mystic Aquarium Volunteer Coordinator – volunteer@mysticaquarium.org

 

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Current EventsEducationEventsFeatureNews

Update on Phragmites Work and New Wetlands Regulations

by Anna White

We wanted to share an update about this season’s phragmites management work. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) updated its freshwater wetlands regulations. These new rules expand which areas are considered regulated wetlands and change the process for getting permits to do any work in or near them.

Because of this, most of our current and planned phragmites treatment sites are now on pause while new permits and preliminary determinations are completed. The only location that can move forward right now is the Parade Grounds, which already had its permit approved under the previous regulations.

While delays are never easy, this is an important step to make sure we’re doing everything responsibly and in full compliance with state policy. Wetland regulations exist to protect sensitive habitats, water quality, and the overall health of our island’s ecosystem. When the state updates these policies, it’s our job to make sure all of our work stays consistent with those changes.

We’re continuing to work closely with our partners at The Pond and Lake Connection and NYSDEC to complete the required paperwork and move forward as soon as possible. We’ll share updates once we have a clearer timeline.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the new wetlands regulations, you can visit the NYSDEC Freshwater Wetlands Program for more information.

Pease feel free to email annarwfic@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Current EventsEducationEventsFeatureNews

SPOTTED in New London!

by Anna White

During preparations for this year’s fall bird migration count, Dr. Adam Mitchell of Tarleton State University and Catalina Berry, a Ph.D. student and former lead of the 2024 migration team, observed an adult spotted lanternfly on the ground in New London, just a block from the ferry. This marks a concerning sign that the invasive species is present close to the island and could spread here.

 

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a destructive invasive insect tha tposes a significant threat to both agriculture and native ecosystems. Although it is native to Asia, it has spread rapidly through the northeastern United States in recent years. The insect feeds on the sap of plants, with a strong preference for the invasive tree-of-heaven, but it is known to consume more than

100 plant species. These include grapevines, fruit trees, hardwoods such as maples and oaks, and a wide range of ornamental plants and vines. Infestations can cause serious damage to crops, reduce the health of trees, and disrupt ecological balance.

While the insect is not dangerous to humans or pets, it spreads quickly and often hitchhikes on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, and other materials. For this reason, the community’s vigilance is super important in preventing its spread to our island.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent the Spread

1. Check your belongings and vehicles
Before traveling to or from the island, inspect your car, boat, luggage, and any outdoor equipment for spotted lanternflies, egg masses, or nymphs.

2. Look for egg masses
From fall through early spring, females lay egg masses on flat surfaces such as trees, rocks, vehicles, patio furniture, and even outdoor gear. Scrape and destroy any you find.

3. Avoid moving firewood
Do not bring firewood or other untreated outdoor materials onto the island, as these can easily carry egg masses or hidden insects.

4. Be vigilant in your yard
Check trees and plants regularly, especially grapes, fruit trees, maples, and tree-of-heaven, which are common hosts.

5. Report sightings immediately
If you see a spotted lanternfly, take a clear photo and report it to both the Fishers Island Conservancy and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Reports can be submitted through NYSDEC’s invasive species survey

6. Kill the insect if possible
Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to people or pets. Stomping or capturing them on sight is one of the most direct ways to slow their spread!

 

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Marine Reports

Marine Debris October 2025

by Anna White

Marine Debris Report
October 2025
Collected across island beaches
Total weight: 1,168  lbs | Total hours: 107.5
~ Michele Klimczak

DATE ZONE LOCATION WEIGHT (LBS) HOURS
10/1/2025 S3 Chocomount Cove beaches through behind Webbles, beach before Big Club 42 7
10/2/2025 E4 Latimer Light beaches past Eighth Hole 46 8
10/5/2025 E4 Castle Rd beaches to behind Money Pond beach 32 5
10/14/2025 N5 Chocomount Cove beaches to end of Hungry Point beaches 29 6
10/15/2025 N6 Clay point Rd, Brick yard Rd, Dock beaches through North Hill 36 8
10/16/2025 N1 Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony 33 6
10/19/2025 S2 Race Rock beaches, Sanctuary of Sands through all of South beaches up to Wilderness Point 46 8
10/20/2025 S2 Isabella beaches and behind secret beach 49 6
10/22/2025 S3 Chocomount beaches to behind Webbles beach, Barley Field Cove beaches 57 7
10/23/2025 E4 Latimer Light beaches through to Coast Guard House over golf course 48 7.5
10/24/2025 E4 Behind Money Pond and Castle Rd beaches 39 5
10/27/2025 N5 Chocomount Cove beaches through Hungry Point beaches 44 8
10/28/2025 N6 Clay Point Rd, Brick yard Rd beaches to Dock beaches, all North Hill beaches 38 8
10/29/2025 N1 Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony to Holiday House Beaches 42 8
10/30/2025 S2 Race Rock, Sanctuary of Sands, South beach, Wilderness Point 52 8

View the Marine Debris Gallery Below

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Bird CountsCurrent EventsEventsFeatureNews

2025 Fall Migratory Bird Count Results

by Anna White

  Announcing the Results of the Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count

We are excited to share the results of this year’s Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count. With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we recorded 41 bird species, which is right in line with the long-term average of about 40 species for the fall season.

This year’s count had some exciting highlights. A bobolink was recorded calling in flight over the Parade Grounds, and we saw more ruby-throated hummingbirds and northern harriers than in previous years. At the same time, a few species were noticeably absent, including yellow warblers, most sparrows aside from the song sparrow, and the swallows that are usually common on the island.

The slightly lower number compared to last year’s 45 species and 50 species in 2023 may be explained by a few different factors. As many participants noted, the season felt quieter overall, since birds are less vocal during fall migration than they are in the spring. Weather and climate patterns also play a role. Prolonged summer temperatures, drought in New England, and the effects of El Niño across North America can all influence when different species decide to move south.

In addition to the official count, we also kept a running count throughout the weekend, which brought our total up to 52 species. Beyond the birds, we recorded around 26 monarch butterflies and were greeted by fields of goldenrod, both promising signs of migration still to come.

One of the best parts of this year’s event was the community that came together! We were thrilled to welcome 13 participants on Saturday, which was our largest turnout yet. Thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such energy and enthusiasm to the day. And to our regulars who couldn’t make it this year, you were missed!

Why Bird Counts Matter

Annual bird counts give us a chance to connect with nature while also helping us better understand the rhythms of migration and the health of our local ecosystems. Each year of observations adds to a long-term record that supports conservation efforts and deepens our appreciation for the island’s biodiversity.

Here is the list of species we encountered in our Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count.

Fall 2025 Bird Count
American crow
American goldfinch
American kestrel*
American robin
Bald eagle*
Baltimore oriole
Black-and-white warbler
Black-capped chickadee
Blue jay
Bobolink
Brant*
Canada goose*
Carolina wren
Cedar waxwing
Common eider
Common raven
Common tern*
Common yellowthroat
Double-crested cormorant
Downy woodpecker
Eastern phoebe
Eastern towhee
European starling
Gray catbird
Great black-backed gull*
Great blue heron
Great-crested flycatcher
Great egret
Green heron
Herring gull
House wren
Laughing gull*
Mallard*
Mourning dove
Mute swan
Northern cardinal
Northern flicker
Northern harrier
Northern mockingbird
Northern parula
Osprey
Palm warbler
Pine warbler*
Red-bellied woodpecker
Rock dove*
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Snowy egret*
Song sparrow
Tufted titmouse
Veery
White-breasted nuthatch
White-eyed vireo

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count

by Anna White

Join us for our annual Fall Migration Bird Count!

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Community Center

We’ll begin the morning at the Community Center at 8:00 AM before heading out to count.

Please come prepared for a long walk, and remember your binoculars!

Following Audubon bird count guidelines, participants will stop 15 times along the route from the West End to the East End of Fishers Island. Each stop will last five minutes, during which birders will identify and call out the species they see. Our knowledgeable team will guide the group and be available to answer questions along the way.

Fishers Island is an amazing place for birdwatching during fall migration. Situated on the Atlantic Flyway, the island provides an important resting place for birds traveling from northern breeding grounds in Canada to their southern wintering habitats. By late September, our local summer residents begin to move on, while many migratory species pass through overhead.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the activity, this is the perfect chance to experience the diversity of birds moving through the island during their fall journey!

Last year, despite a high-pressure system that limited activity, we observed 45 species which was well above the average of 39.9 species recorded in previous fall surveys.

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Marine Reports

Marine Debris September 2025

by Anna White

Marine Debris Report
September 2025
Collected across island beaches
Total weight: 931  lbs | Total hours: 166.5
~ Michele Klimczak

DATEZONELOCATIONWEIGHT (LBS)HOURS
9/1/2025E4Latimer Light beaches & Eighth Hole over rocks386.5
9/2/2025E4Castle Rd Beaches to behind Money Pond beaches448
9/4/2025N1Airport beaches, Ordinance, Silver Eel Cove, Ferry Park, Little Stony, Holiday House, and Hay Harbor368
9/5/2025S2Wilderness Point through Isabella beaches, Secrete Beach + Vikings End688.5
9/6/2025S2Race Rock, Sanctuary of Sands, South Beach, stopped before Wilderness Point266.5
9/8/2025S3Chocomount Cove beaches through behind Webbles, beach before Big Club528.5
9/9/2025N5Chocomount Cove beaches to end of Hungry Point beaches497.5
9/10/2025E4Latimer Light beaches past Eighth Hole over rocks397
9/11/2025E4Castle Rd beaches to behind Money Pond467.5
9/12/2025N6North Hill beaches to Dock Beach, Brick Yard Rd through Clay Point Rd528
9/14/2025N1Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony336.5
9/15/2025S2Wilderness Point to Isabella to Secret beach578.5
9/16/2025S2Race Rock beaches, Sanctuary of Sands through all of South beaches up to Wilderness Point397.5
9/17/2025S3Chocomount beaches to behind Webbles beach before Big Club488
9/20/2025N5Chocomount Cove beaches through Hungry Point beaches326.5
9/22/2025E4Latimer Light to East Harbor397
9/23/2025E4Castle Rd beaches to behind Money Pond over golf course469
9/24/2025N6North Hill beaches, Dock, Brick yard Rd to Clay Point Rd beaches438
9/25/2025Raining- Sorting in shed04
9/26/2025N1Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony to Holiday House Beaches468.5
9/29/2025S2Race Rock, Sanctuary of Sands, Wilderness Point429
9/30/2025S2Vikings End, Isabella, Secret beach568

View the Marine Debris Gallery Below

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