Veery Lovely

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This is the time of year when I always look forward to the Conservancy’s Spring Migration Bird Count (May 19). A point to point, west to east survey of all the unique bird species Fishers Island habitat attracts and welcomes “home” each season.

I’ve learned so much touring the Parade Grounds with Dr. Adam Mitchell (entomologist) and the birding team. I’ve asked tons of questions about insects, birds and habitat, all of which have helped me “discover” the Island as a Naturalist.

Yesterday, I was heading out the door with camera in hand, trying to catch up with Barred owl’s evening hoots, when I was met by this inquisitive, woodsy visitor all plump and puffed with cinnamon down. This lovely bird was unfamiliar to me; so I was equally curious…

The bird is a veery: a small forest thrush whose name denotes its ethereal and reedy song “vrdi vrreed vreed vreer vreer”.

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, May 5, 2019

Bein’ Green

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Duck Pond, Fishers Island

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, May 4, 2019

Mink Slink or Swim

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Ospreys West Bound

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In the 1960s and early 1970s, before DDT nearly erased ospreys from the eastern seaboard, the only Osprey nest we kids could spy was at the corner of Airport Road nearest the Bike Shop.

Today, I marvel at the Island’s Osprey population “comeback”…strong. Here West, there are for the first time three nests atop telephone poles: Transfer Station (recyclables) AND Transfer Station (mulch & stuff), as well as Silver Eel Cove (bluff).

This unique “triangle” presents us with wonderful sightings and a real glimpse into the Osprey’s daily life.

*On standby, Ferry Dock, Fishers Island

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, May 1, 2019

Greater of the Two

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This Greater Yellow Legs has been returning to the sandy coves alongside Dock beach for several years now.

Its slender and elegant silhouette can be seen wading and actively foraging here.

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, April 30, 2019

Greater Yellow Legs

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In Their Element*

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Sprung…

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Spring has…

Fishers Island is “typically” 7-10 days behind mainland Connecticut with its bursting of blooms.

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 29, 2019

Seaweeds Awash

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Tidal flows and southern storm surge form knee-high berms of kelp and seaweeds, sculpted into “river beds and canyons”.

This thick and abundant wrack line promises to create wonderful “photo opportunities”—meeting various returning shore birds within Sanctuary of Sands, Fishers Island.

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 29, 2019

Morning’s Watch

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Red-tailed hawk keeps watch while holding the fort as “pesky” fish crows sound their alarm…

Fort Wright Parade Grounds, Fishers Island

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 28, 2019