Eelgrass Restoration

I believe its natural for a Naturalist to be curious.

On Island:

I have been eager to learn that a large quantity of Eelgrass decay washes ashore in East Harbor. In fact I note every week that high tides appear to deposit more shredded Eelgrass debris on the north side of the island than the south side.

Off Island:

This January I have observed large numbers of Mute Swan inhabiting Wequetequock Cove across the way in Stonington, CT.

Research shows that Mute Swans feed primarily on Eelgrass during the winter. Unlike other grazing waterfowl, swans tend to uproot the plants entirely-and a single swan can consume up to 8 lbs a day!

The result can be destructive with loss of seagrass beds and ecosystem habitat.

Wequetequock Cove empties into Fishers Island Sound.

Now:

  I am even more curious to learn about Eelgrass conservation and restoration.

 

Mermaid’s Purse

I am observing an influx of rectangular egg sacs belonging to the Winter Skate species.  I counted 6 today at the Big Club and South Beach.

Similar looking to the Ray, the Skate is also flattened from back to belly and appears to have “wings”. The species differ though with the Ray bearing live young.

Winter Skate are currently harvested commercially -their wings considered tasty.

The population is often affected by offshore Scallop trawls and can end up as bycatch.

 

Red Right Returning

 It is a rare occasion for me to venture out onto the intertidal zone that forms Race Point.
Very low tides this morning allowed me to quickly navigate across the slippery rocks and wavelets.

When I came to the waters edge

Tugboat wreck seemed to rise out of the ocean.

The old lighthouse seemed just a stone’s throw away.

 

Ocean Meadows

Long Island Sound Study (LISS) noted in 2009 that waters around Fishers Island sustained over 300 acres (346 to be exact) of Eelgrass.

This marine plant is all important in providing critical habitat for diverse fish species as well as nutrients for migrating water fowl, and has become the focus in conservation and restoration studies.

I have noted the influx of Eelgrass washing ashore this autumn and winter in East Harbor.

Perihelion

Early January

Earth is closest to the Sun.

This afternoon it looked as though the Sun dipped into Fishers Island Sound.

No Swan Song Here

Last year I kept a close eye on the lone swan residing near the Big Club. Month after month I rode my bike past the pond expecting to see double.

  It is said that swans do mate for life and I admit I was hopeful I would some day see a partner for this bird. I kept waiting and the swan kept wading. Then in October just before Hurricane Sandy, another Mute swan flew in.

I spotted the couple this afternoon. Maybe this year a stork will arrive with cygnets (baby swans) …..

Nature’s Own

New Year’s Eve Ball

From the bow of the Fishers Island ferry I can see the moon rising.

Reminiscent of Time’s Square.

Yule Tides

Winter arrived last night with tidal surges pulled and pushed by a nearly full moon.

This morning’s beach scapes haven’t looked so clean swept since Hurricane Sandy.

Quite a bit of on again, off again movement-even the 7:45 ferry didn’t arrive till after noontime.

At Dock beach high tide attempted to right a wrong turn.

At South Beach low tide attempted to look lovely-and did.

Joy to the World

And Heaven and Nature sing…

Gifting

This week the thought of gifting the Island came to me-literally.

Fort Wright generously gifted History from its Quarter Master Dept.

Race Point presented me with Gratitude reminding me never to look a gift horse in the mouth.

The waves off South Beach laughingly sprayed me with their Humor and left coal for my stocking.

And the priceless gift of Peace and Comfort somehow washed ashore during Hurricane Sandy.