Seeking Refuge and Critical Habitat

Seeking Refuge & Critical Habitat

,

I have resolved to thinking of Fishers Island as a National Maritime Refuge-and I am allowed that thought. It has nothing to do with old traditions, signs, or boundaries-just being aware and grateful of the unique habitat we have here on Island.

My hope is that others see the Island as a refuge for the remaining shorebird species that return here; after a long arduous journey- seeking sanctuary.

**Please take into consideration the damage vehicles can impact on our delicate coast line.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 31, 2018

Common Tern courting ritual

To Everything (Tern, Tern, Tern)

,

There is a breeding season and a time to every purpose “under Heaven”
– The Byrds

I am humbled as I sat patiently, and “caught” this moment in The Field…male Common Tern courting its mate. Keep your eyes peeled for this “fly & plunge for minnows ritual” within Hay Harbor, Fishers Island.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 25, 2018

 

Shorebird Reunion

Shorebird Reunion!

,

I sat within the tidal pools along what I love to call Sanctuary of Sands west end; parallel to the runway here on Fishers Island. So happy to “report” what certainly appeared to me as an increase in this spring’s shorebird activity. Breeding and non-breeding plumage is visible on Ruddy turnstone, Killdeer and Black-bellied plover standing “Sentinel”.

** Please be mindful and leash dogs during this precious nesting time.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 24, 2018.

Black-bellied plover by Justine Kibbe

Black-bellied plover standing “Sentinel”

,

Black-bellied plover by Justine Kibbe

Shorebird Reunion!

I sat within the tidal pools along what I love to call Sanctuary of Sands west end; parallel to the runway here on Fishers Island. So happy to “report” what certainly appeared to me as an increase in this spring’s shorebird activity. Breeding and non-breeding plumage is visible on Ruddy turnstone, Killdeer and Black-bellied plover standing “Sentinel”.

** Please be mindful and leash dogs during this precious nesting time.

– from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 24, 2018.

Hungry Point Harbor Seals

Hungry Point Harbor Seals

,

It was a mirror-calm afternoon up east within Fishers Island Sound.
Typically this clan of seals will haul off and out by May’s end.
Based on my monitoring notes from past years; we can expect a mid- September “homecoming”.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 19, 2018

Mylar Menace

Mylar Menace

,

Need I say more?….

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 18, 2018

Mylar Monster by Justine Kibbe

They’re back…

,

. . . and with a vengeance-Mylar balloons; the most insidious of debris creeping upon Fishers Island. Please promote BEST Practices of Stewardship! It only takes a few seconds to disentangle, deflate and dispose….

Respect & enjoy our unique marine environment for years to come.

Tent Caterpillars

This Morning – Up East is For the Birds

,

Warmth of May days on Fishers Island calls birds of a feather to enjoy “Cater” pillars under the Tent! I stopped to spy these squirming caterpillars blossoming as fast as the buds that surround them. Baltimore Orioles, Blue Jays, Chickadees and the Nuthatch are just a few birds that look forward to this “menu”.

So keep your eyes peeled!

Downy Drummer woodpecker by Justine Kibbe

To The Beat of the Downy Drummer

,

This woodpecker snippet appears “wobbly” I know. But I wanted to share with folks just how filled with bird chatter the mornings on Fishers Island can be!

Up east on the bike path I quickly hopped off to catch this Downy drumming fiercely. These birds audibly mark their nesting territory during breeding season.

On such a quiet Sunday morning I could hear its rival pecking away down the road within woods by Chocomount.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 15, 2018

Oyster Catcher - Preen by Justine Kibbe

The Oyster Catcher – Preen For a Day

,

While riding by Barley Field cove (just before the Big Club) I sighted this Oyster Catcher. Very happy to remark that these years on Fishers Island there are indeed more of these beautiful wading shorebirds documented especially during breeding pair season!
Considered a threatened species with critical shore habitat-Oyster Catchers possess site fidelity-returning to the same locale annually. PLEASE consider even one surviving chick within nesting season a miracle.

*PLEASE be mindful on coastal and beach treks, step lightly and leash dogs during these spring months.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 12, 2018