We wanted to share an update about this season’s phragmites management work. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) updated its freshwater wetlands regulations. These new rules expand which areas are considered regulated wetlands and change the process for getting permits to do any work in or near them.
Because of this, most of our current and planned hhragmites treatment sites are now on pause while new permits and preliminary determinations are completed. The only location that can move forward right now is the Parade Grounds, which already had its permit approved under the previous regulations.
While delays are never easy, this is an important step to make sure we’re doing everything responsibly and in full compliance with state policy. Wetland regulations exist to protect sensitive habitats, water quality, and the overall health of our island’s ecosystem. When the state updates these policies, it’s our job to make sure all of our work stays consistent with those changes.
We’re continuing to work closely with our partners at The Pond and Lake Connection and NYSDEC to complete the required paperwork and move forward as soon as possible. We’ll share updates once we have a clearer timeline.
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the new wetlands regulations, you can visit the NYSDEC Freshwater Wetlands Program for more information.
Pease feel free to email annarwfic@gmail.com if you have any questions.
During preparations for this year’s fall bird migration count, Dr. Adam Mitchell of Tarleton State University and Catalina Berry, a Ph.D. student and former lead of the 2024 migration team, observed an adult spotted lanternfly on the ground in New London, just a block from the ferry. This marks a concerning sign that the invasive species is present close to the island and could spread here.
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a destructive invasive insect tha tposes a significant threat to both agriculture and native ecosystems. Although it is native to Asia, it has spread rapidly through the northeastern United States in recent years. The insect feeds on the sap of plants, with a strong preference for the invasive tree-of-heaven, but it is known to consume more than
100 plant species. These include grapevines, fruit trees, hardwoods such as maples and oaks, and a wide range of ornamental plants and vines. Infestations can cause serious damage to crops, reduce the health of trees, and disrupt ecological balance.
While the insect is not dangerous to humans or pets, it spreads quickly and often hitchhikes on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, and other materials. For this reason, the community’s vigilance is super important in preventing its spread to our island.
What You Can Do to Help Prevent the Spread
1. Check your belongings and vehicles
Before traveling to or from the island, inspect your car, boat, luggage, and any outdoor equipment for spotted lanternflies, egg masses, or nymphs.
2. Look for egg masses
From fall through early spring, females lay egg masses on flat surfaces such as trees, rocks, vehicles, patio furniture, and even outdoor gear. Scrape and destroy any you find.
3. Avoid moving firewood
Do not bring firewood or other untreated outdoor materials onto the island, as these can easily carry egg masses or hidden insects.
4. Be vigilant in your yard
Check trees and plants regularly, especially grapes, fruit trees, maples, and tree-of-heaven, which are common hosts.
5. Report sightings immediately
If you see a spotted lanternfly, take a clear photo and report it to both the Fishers Island Conservancy and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Reports can be submitted through NYSDEC’s invasive species survey
6. Kill the insect if possible
Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to people or pets. Stomping or capturing them on sight is one of the most direct ways to slow their spread!
Announcing the Results of the Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count
We are excited to share the results of this year’s Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count. With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we recorded 41 bird species, which is right in line with the long-term average of about 40 species for the fall season.
This year’s count had some exciting highlights. A bobolink was recorded calling in flight over the Parade Grounds, and we saw more ruby-throated hummingbirds and northern harriers than in previous years. At the same time, a few species were noticeably absent, including yellow warblers, most sparrows aside from the song sparrow, and the swallows that are usually common on the island.
The slightly lower number compared to last year’s 45 species and 50 species in 2023 may be explained by a few different factors. As many participants noted, the season felt quieter overall, since birds are less vocal during fall migration than they are in the spring. Weather and climate patterns also play a role. Prolonged summer temperatures, drought in New England, and the effects of El Niño across North America can all influence when different species decide to move south.
In addition to the official count, we also kept a running count throughout the weekend, which brought our total up to 52 species. Beyond the birds, we recorded around 26 monarch butterflies and were greeted by fields of goldenrod, both promising signs of migration still to come.
One of the best parts of this year’s event was the community that came together! We were thrilled to welcome 13 participants on Saturday, which was our largest turnout yet. Thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such energy and enthusiasm to the day. And to our regulars who couldn’t make it this year, you were missed!
Why Bird Counts Matter
Annual bird counts give us a chance to connect with nature while also helping us better understand the rhythms of migration and the health of our local ecosystems. Each year of observations adds to a long-term record that supports conservation efforts and deepens our appreciation for the island’s biodiversity.
Here is the list of species we encountered in our Fall 2025 Migratory Bird Count.
| Fall 2025 Bird Count |
|---|
| American crow |
| American goldfinch |
| American kestrel* |
| American robin |
| Bald eagle* |
| Baltimore oriole |
| Black-and-white warbler |
| Black-capped chickadee |
| Blue jay |
| Bobolink |
| Brant* |
| Canada goose* |
| Carolina wren |
| Cedar waxwing |
| Common eider |
| Common raven |
| Common tern* |
| Common yellowthroat |
| Double-crested cormorant |
| Downy woodpecker |
| Eastern phoebe |
| Eastern towhee |
| European starling |
| Gray catbird |
| Great black-backed gull* |
| Great blue heron |
| Great-crested flycatcher |
| Great egret |
| Green heron |
| Herring gull |
| House wren |
| Laughing gull* |
| Mallard* |
| Mourning dove |
| Mute swan |
| Northern cardinal |
| Northern flicker |
| Northern harrier |
| Northern mockingbird |
| Northern parula |
| Osprey |
| Palm warbler |
| Pine warbler* |
| Red-bellied woodpecker |
| Rock dove* |
| Ruby-throated hummingbird |
| Snowy egret* |
| Song sparrow |
| Tufted titmouse |
| Veery |
| White-breasted nuthatch |
| White-eyed vireo |
