By Island Sentinel Rob Backhaus.
Combing the beaches of Fishers Island, looking for hidden treasures and historical relatives, is a fun and educational experience. Many of the beaches on Fishers Island present opportunities to find hidden treasure. With its famous military dumping background, Race Rock is loaded with hidden treasures waiting to be found.
These sultry afternoons on the Sound are calm and quiet.
It’s perfect weather to drift quietly around by boat and take a peek at colonial waterbird sites.
The northwestern tip if Ram Island houses Great Egrets roosting in thick vegetation – with old branches layered high ,the nests are large but hidden well.
Farther out, on South Dumpling a large colony of Double Crested Cormorants proclaim “squatters rights” to just the one dead tree on Isle.
Last winter Great Black-backed Gull communities around the Island were sometimes few and far between-mostly because the largest gull species in the world prefers the colder months at sea.
This week I discovered a large flock of “GBBGs” raising their young on Flat Hammock.
This small sand spit off the north side of Fishers appears to be an active nursery these weeks.I enjoyed a quiet, up closer view (with binoculars) from a boat and hope for another opportunity to document observations in late summer.
Young gulls will stay put for about 50 days before flying, and then return still relying on their “feeding schedule” for another 50 days. Then it’s off to congregate with other immature gulls in places where the fishing is easy.
PS.
I was happy to see Oyster Catchers on Flat Hammock too, and being respectful of all nesting areas kept my distance, hoping boaters and beachcombers will do the same.
Noon Whistle:
It’s lunch time along the bike path with a flit of a Butterfly, a buzz of a Bumble bee and a slight rain shower on a Painted turtle and me.
Next time you’re launching a boat into Pirates Cove or wading through tidal flats along West Harbor-keep your eyes out for tiny Fiddler Crab communities. A number of finely dug holes found along salt and brackish waters secretly house these crabs of land and sea.
Appearing rather shy-if they appear at all, (observers must be patient) the Fiddler communicates by waving one larger claw in rhythmic signals-either playing a tune for nearby female Fiddlers or vying for her in combat. The other claw used for feeding, has the tiny creature looking like it’s musically inclined – playing the Fiddle.
Solstice, I look forward to your visit.
I like your altitude with disposition so sunny.
Before me you present moments most bright, the Now of my being here.
Behind me you present a shadow, the Then of my being here.
Memories on an Island
Still light.
I happened upon an “older” photo of Isabella Beach this morning-dated
August 2011.
The thought was to document tidal erosion on Fishers Island’s beaches.
Many tide cycles (super and not so super) have past, along with two hurricanes.
Today, the beach is wider with its scrub line pushed back.
There are peaks and valleys of more and more rocks.
Islanders will have to find their own “familiar” this summer.
Fog: “Raise the curtain”
Wave: “Roll out the red carpet”
Chocomount: “A sanding ovation for this Rock of stages”
Active and fiercely territorial House Wren seeks cavity nest dwelling just about anywhere on Island.
Coarse twigs, assorted leaf decay, cottony spider cocoons- all a big mess but a must.
Fine horse tail fibers borrowed from ponies on the Peninsula very desirable.
Plastic wrappings from cigarette box certainly not necessary (non smoker)
Must accommodate clutch of 5-8 brown speckled eggs
Bluebird nesting boxes preferable!
While statistics say I am a bit more than a bird watcher (must identify 10 or more species), I don’t consider myself a full fledged “birder”.
Even if I can identify 40 or more species of birds, it is only because I know I love my time spent observing birds and their routines, social behavior, even antics.
Consider the Great Egret:
The National Audubon Society was founded in 1905.But I didn’t know that its mission to preserve our nation’s bird species started in 1886 when a group of concerned citizens took a stand to ban the killing of the Great Egret. These birds were hunted and in rapid decline for their fashionable feathers. Today, the bird is alive and thriving- still the Society’s symbol.
While traveling south last winter and viewing these magnificent birds, I decided to dedicate more time watching the Great Egret back here on Fishers Island.
This spring, I now know they are active in several quiet coves and also dwell around the Island coast. Look east at the Big Club beach and you’ll often see an Egret enjoying low tide. A summer returnee fishes in Hay Harbor, a familiar pair wades in West Harbor, and I count the largest “colony” in Darby Cove.
Mostly I see Great Egrets feeding in wetlands and low tidal habitats.
Like statues, they stand motionless propped up on stilt-like legs. The head tilts ever so slightly, the eyes zoom in, and they just wait…..then in a blink their long yellow bill spears a fish.
The other day I snuck up on a Great Egret, which was no easy feat.
With no winds to give me away, I sat crouched in my white jacket behind a boulder and just watched…