How magnificent you are.
With the loveliness of your artistry
Keeping rhythm and orderliness
In spite of us
This April I have documented just two pairs of American Oyster Catchers-one on South Beach and this week a second in Hay Harbor.
Once thriving, this species of shore bird became extinct locally in 19th century New England because of hunting and gathering of eggs.
Since 1918 they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
These coming weeks and months it is important to step lightly (or not at all) along the stony shoals off the south side of Elizabeth Field Airport and within Hay Harbor.
Keep the peace for a hopeful and strong returning of Piping Plovers, the Least Tern, Skimmers and more American Oyster Catchers.
I love Crows and Ravens.
Nature’s Spirit guides and Sentinels.
These “Corvids” (species) are noted as the most intelligent of birds.
Today, there is even data observing their construction and use of stick-like tools to get food.
It is nesting season on Fishers Island, and more often than not I will hear the clans of crows before I actually spot them.
En route to Hay Harbor I spied two crows “mobbing” a Red-tailed Hawk.
Both hawks and owls if given the opportunity will attempt to reside in an abandoned crow’s nest.
It is said (or read) that a book that is illuminating and well worth the time it takes to read it- is indeed a “Good Read”
I think of a beach as a book.
“Tidal”: South Beach
For instance, the more time I spend on South Beach, the more I understand the present flow of everyday happenings for its inhabitants (even characters).
I can tell you that 6 curious crows along with 1 territorial Great Black Backed Gull and at least 3 raucous Herring Gulls call the tidal zone their “community”.
Picking and sifting through small crustaceans and bivalves, these particular birds are most often observed during low seas.
Now, just like last Spring 2 Oyster Catchers have returned to join in the morning’s buffet.
Hurricane Sandy has turned a few pages historically. Old bunker type remains have emerged with high wave surges these last months.
Will the white glistening sands return this summer?
South Beach could be a Best Seller…
By Guest Naturalist Mike Bottini
In late March, 2013, three colleagues and I arrived on Fishers Island to survey for river otter (Lontra canadensis) – thanks to a grant from the Fishers Island Conservancy. You may wonder, as many have asked, “Why look for river otters on an island that has no rivers?” As is the case with many common names, this one does not accurately reflect the habitat frequented by this interesting creature. River otters actually spend most of their time on land, but when they are hungry and looking for a meal, they will dive into any waterbody – river, swamp, pond, tidal creek or bay – that has their favorite prey: fish, crabs and crayfish.
You may also wonder: why the interest in documenting the presence of river otters? Positioned high on the aquatic food chain, and being year-round inhabitants of fairly limited areas (unlike migratory species like the osprey), river otters are valuable indicators of the health of the aquatic systems in which they reside.
Admittedly, I have been a bit sentimental when it comes to checking up on Chocomount’s recovery.
A favorite “Picnic Rock” spot.
Erosion from the tumults of hurricane surges and wintery blasts have left me wondering just how this beachscape may appear come summertime.
Photos taken in late January are now compared to this early April.
I caught the moon this morning-waning to be full once more.
I see the buds of a tree silently bursting to soon blossom.
A Ring-necked Pheasant’s shrill call declares arrival.
A once vacant Osprey’s nest is occupied now.
A Great Horned Owl announces Renewal-of all sorts.
Location:
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge & Little Torch Key, Florida
The small Key Deer and slow Gopher Tortoise are steady beachgoers here.
I enjoy the privilege of encountering these animals as I explore Floridian coastal marine preserves.
Both are listed as endangered species and are protected- their populations now becoming more visible and I might add more “tolerant and easygoing” with human activities.
It was nearly noontime on my nature trails when I heard a distinct crunching sound and spied the tortoise grazing on shrubs outside her sandy burrow.
The numerous small deer peer frequently from the shady swamp mangroves. And “heads-up!” were last seen in a Winn Dixie parking lot.
Crystal River, Florida
Time: 6:30am. Temperature: 28 Water Temp: 72
It’s early morning and I am shivering a bit and squinting my eyes to adjust through the clouds of sea smoke rising off the river.
I am laughing a bit too. I had thought a little walkabout to southern waters and National Wildlife Refuges would help me to learn about the different marine ecosystems comparable to Fishers Island.
Well, the weather is the same today-maybe even chillier…
But alas my vision becomes clearer.
My walkabout becomes an amazing “swimabout” with many Manatees this particular morning congregating in Crystal River enjoying the warmth of the underground springs.
Natural Wonders have this naturalist feeling wonderful!
Last week I found a tiny diamond earring on the floor of a locker room.
When I asked the woman next to me if it might belong to her she said
“No, but how on earth did you ever spot that?”
I laughed, then smiled and confided in her.
“I walk beaches a lot and find myself looking downward.
I seem to be drawn to any tiny shimmer or twinkle of sea glass.
Honestly, it’s becoming a habit! I treasure that one color that I call ‘Contemplation’
But I don’t want to miss that pod of dolphins swimming by one day”.
I laughed again.
“I am practicing by looking up and away”.
I brought the earring to the front desk Lost & Found.
I suppose it’s an occupational hazard for a naturalist collecting observations to have an attraction turn into distraction.
I remember those long days squinting through binoculars atop Polovina Cliffs in the Pribilof Islands. Finding the detailed color of a Northern fur seal’s whiskers could categorize her age. There I learned very quickly to routinely look up…because seals spying on me didn’t want to miss a single thing either!
So I keep practicing.
The stars are twinkling beautifully tonight.