Daylight saved an extra hour for me, but really it’s just an open window
to see Creation so grand thru Wonder’s expanse…
Simply rich, as Snowdrops* emerge while Sparrows dance.
*Galanthus nivalis
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Mar. 11, 2019
Pheasant stops in for breakfast, while crow and ferry announce what looks like a beautiful day in March.
Fort Wright, Fishers Island.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 11, 2019
That’s what I was thinking this late morning walking past South Dumpling & Flat Hammock north side.
According to our Seagrass mapping, there is an Eelgrass “pasture” that wraps around Flat Hammock with growth towards the Dumplings.
I like to envision surrounding underwater habitat as “mini” marine sanctuaries that can and should be monitored, protected and preserved for our Island’s future.
The chilly temps continue here today, but so do bald eagle sightings, making early March a bit more “sunny” and bearable….
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 7, 2019
…that is Fishers Island.
I wanted to give folks an idea of the VERY precious Eelgrass meadows that surround our Island.
Yesterday, I attended a Fishers Island Seagrass Management meeting with student representative Nick Hall.
A small subcommittee of the Coalition met to discuss:
“Community Monitoring & Citizen Science”.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Mar. 1, 2019
Quick peek this morning within Silver Eel Cove.
This fish-eating bird looks to be a juvenile, still “wearing” its partial white collar plumage. It appears Loon have become more “common” in waters around Fishers Island these years, especially in north side coves.
*Listen for their yodeling or wailing calls echo in the calm…
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 28, 2019
I was out in the Field early this morning; following up on yesterday’s River otter sighting within Duck pond. Perhaps with 1-3 inches of expected snow tonight, folks can certainly keep a look out for otter’s unmistakable tracks.
In the meanwhile, 65mph wind gusts have disintegrated over Fishers Island; permitting this male Red-breasted Merganser to share his familiar “shaggy crest” -sporting breeding plumage while sailing along Race Point.
– From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, February 27, 2019
Meanwhile, with seals taking over these sea ducks’ favorite resting grounds, a flotilla of Widgeon glide over to the eastern tip of South Beach, where foraging looks good.
These beautiful ducks also like to graze occasionally on Hay Harbor Golf Course. Keep a look out!
* Very cold and wobbly snippet
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
Looks to be a younger Gray seal, or possibly Harp seal, with dappled pelage.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
This morning, a community member let me know of a “not so typical” seal sighting south side, Fishers Island. I rode up to find what I believe is a “younger” Gray seal, or possibly Harp seal. With all the winds and tides, it could have landed here. I will keep an eye on the animal and notify our Island First Responders to contact Mystic Aquarium should it appear ill or stranded.
*Gray seals are pelagic, spending more time at sea than our hauled-out Harbor seas. Hopefully this seal is just resting for a day or two.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019