Thousands of tiny plastic particles are swirled and swept into Silver eel Cove, Fishers Island this stormy September day. Sadly, these observations of incoming debris are noted more often these years between Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds, plaguing foraging grounds and critical habitat.
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 10, 2018
“What’s for Munch?”
Monarch caterpillars feeding within planted Milkweed here on Fishers Island.
Bring. Butterflies. Back.
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 8, 2018
Today, serenity was the view from Hay Harbor club golf course, Fishers Island. Race Point and South beach are surrounded by lush Eelgrass, providing critical habitat for fish species within Long Island Sound.
But fewer than 400 acres of this precious seagrass meadow remain, most of it within Fishers Island waters…
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 5, 2018
Heading out into The Field, Fishers Island.
Always a “story” to follow:
Deer. Raccoon. Coyote. Pheasant.
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 30, 2018
After morning’s “Spin Class”…
This spider is a common orb-weaver that often appears in September. They spin large elaborate wheel- (or orb-) shaped webs daily to capture their prey and often break down the web and recreate the same design after a successful catch. The spiders eat a significant portion of the web to regain the nutrients needed to spin a new web for the next day.
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 31, 2018
Tall thistle, a native wildflower, is a big favorite among pollinators.
Here, within historic Parade Grounds, Fishers Island, bees and butterflies busily tend to their habitat. Want to help attract Monarch butterflies? Thistle do it!
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 2, 2018
Wildlife biologist Mike Bottini says that, since 2008, the river otter’s range has doubled in size on Long Island. “I expect to see them on the South Shore [of Fishers Island] within the next couple of years,” he said.
From Mar. 21-23, 2013, Bottini surveyed 57 sites on Fishers Island by foot and kayak. Otter sign was noted at 24 sites, with scent stations (scat) found at 23 sites and otter tracks at one site. Two scent stations also had a den nearby. His survey was funded by a grant from FIConservancy.
These photos from Southold show typical river otter couches excavated amongst cattail reeds, usually in marshy areas. Please remark if you happen upon one this Autumn here on Fishers Island!
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 29, 2018.
This semipalmated plover forages for marine worms within low tide’s mudflats, Fishers Island.
Named for the partial webbing found between its toes, this shorebird species “appears” to be increasing in numbers both on South beach and Big Club beach.
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, August 24, 2018
Bird baths prove to be a wonderful way to keep our feet wet identifying resident and migrating birds on Fishers Island.
Here, a male American redstart stops by for a splash between August showers.
From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 18, 2018
…but without “competition” for Mom’s attentive feeding schedule.
Nestlings, Fort Wright,Fishers Island.
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 16, 2018
