Announcing the results of the Fall 2023 Migratory Bird Count

We are excited to share the official tally of bird species encountered during our annual bird count, along with the “running count” that includes birds observed over the past two days. This fall’s birding event was remarkable, with a grand total of 50 species recorded during the count. Adding the additional 7 species spotted in the running count, we reached an impressive total of 57 species! (See list of bird species below.)

This year brought us some extraordinary birding moments, which we attribute to the recent major storms that grounded much of the bird activity in the days leading up to the count.

With a decade now behind us, we’ve successfully completed our 10th year of the migratory bird count. The data collected during these ten years will serve as a valuable resource for analyzing trends in bird activity on our island.

Here’s the list of species we encountered in our Fall 2023 Migratory Bird Count.

Thank you to all who participated.

Fall 2023 Bird Count
American crow
American goldfinch
American kestrel
American redstart
American robin
Belted kingfisher (running)
Black-capped chickadee
Blue jay
Brown thrasher
Black & white warbler
Bobolink (running and confirmed; congrats Tom!)
Carolina wren
Cedar waxwing
Chimney swift
Chipping sparrow (running)
Common eider
Common grackle
Common loon (running)
Common yellowthroat
Cooper's hawk
Double crested cormorant
Downy woodpecker
Eastern phoebe
Eastern towhee
European starling
Greater black-backed gull
Great blue heron
Golden-crowned kinglet
Gray catbird
Great egret
Herring gull
House finch
House sparrow
Laughing gull (running)
Mallard
Merlin
Mourning dove
Mute swan
Northern cardinal
Northern flicker
Northern harrier
Northern mockingbird
Red-bellied woodpecker
Red-tailed hawk
Northern rough-winged swallow
Osprey (running)
Savannah sparrow
Salt marsh sparrow
Swamp sparrow (running)
Song sparrow
Tufted titmouse
White-breasted nuthatch
White-throated sparrow
Yellow-billed cuckoo
Yellow warbler
Yellow-rumped warbler

Bird watchers scan the skies looking for birds to include in the biannual migratory bird count on Fishers Island.

Join us for our 2023 Fall Migratory Bird Count alongside our University of Delaware experts, Emily Baisden and Will Almeida. 

Event Details: 

What: FIConservancy 2023 Fall Migratory Bird Count

When: Sunday, October 1, 2023 @ 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Meet at Fishers Island Community Center

Make sure to bring your binoculars!

Following Audubon bird count rules, birders will make 15 five-minute stops from West End to East End. At each timed stop, birders count birds and call out what they see.

The outcomes from these bird counts play a crucial role in assisting scientists and conservation groups in mapping bird populations. Furthermore, they provide valuable insights into the distribution and frequency of various bird species within our local environment.

Plastic in the water, on the land and IN you! Fighting pollution on Fishers Island and Beyond

Event Details: 

Date: October 8th

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

Place: In-person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via Zoom

Category: Illustrated Talk

 

Plastic pollution is a bad neighbor. As plastic breaks up into microplastics it disperses into the environment. Researchers are finding plastic particles almost everywhere they look, including inside the human body.

What are the impacts of these plastics, and what can we do to stop them?  

Join Dr. Megan J. Wolff, MPH, policy director at Beyond Plastics, as she talks about what individuals can do to reduce their consumption and exposure to plastics as well as discuss the exciting legislative initiatives underway in the state of New York aimed at significantly reducing plastic  pollution.

Michele Klimczak, our Coastal Debris Coordinator at the Fishers Island Conservancy, will also be presenting an overview of the extensive repercussions of plastic pollution on the island, offering a localized perspective to complement the presentation by Dr. Megan J. Wolff.

*To secure your spot, please reach out to us at 631-788-7239 or send an email to fimuseum@fishersisland.net. Virtual attendance does not require prior registration.

Join Us for Bug Night with Entomologist Dr. Adam Mitchell!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday

Time: 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM-?

Location: John Thatcher Native Garden

Join Us:

Calling all nature enthusiasts and bug lovers!  Get ready for another Bug Night adventure with entomologist Dr. Adam Mitchell. Embrace the opportunity to see insects in a whole new light! Bring your friends and family for an exciting evening of discovery and learning.

What to Expect:

Explore the world of insects under the guidance of an expert entomologist and expand your knowledge of local insect species. 

Witness a variety of critters drawn to large white sheets illuminated by vapor lamps.

Learn about the fascinating lives, behaviors, and habits of insects that call the John Thatcher Native Garden home.

Let’s marvel at the magic of insects together. See you at Bug Night!

Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check our website or contact us for any updates.

Join us for an exciting Orienteering Competition hosted by FI School’s Class of 2026 and the FI Conservancy

 

Event Details

 Date: Thursday, August 17

Location: FI School Playground

Time: 1-4PM

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport in which participants use a map to find various locations, or “controls.”  Take an hour  to find as many controls as you can.  You can compete as an individual, or as a team (up to 3 people).  You can run the course, or walk.  All ages and ability levels are welcome.

How to Register 

To join the fun, contact Mike George at m.george@fischool.com or 585-406-1746. Register before Thursday, August 17, to pay $15 per person. Same-day registrations will be $20 per person. 

The proceeds will support the Class of 2026’s senior class trip.

Win Ice Cream Gift Certificates and More!

The top individual finisher and the top team will receive ice cream gift certificates, generously donated by Toppers. Additionally, the FI Conservancy is giving a gift bag. 

Be Prepared 

We encourage you to bring comfortable shoes and water.  Compasses are not required, but you may bring one; we have a small number that we can loan participants.  The event will be held rain or shine.

For more information about orienteering, check out this article and video:

https://orienteeringusa.org/explore/what-is-orienteering/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Zc5AVkFis

 

Nature Days

Join us for a Day of Nature at the Parade Grounds Saturday, August 12th, from 3-6 p.m.

Enter near the theater to explore fun activities and expert-led stations for all ages.

 

  • Enjoy fun Marine Debris activities with Michele Klimczak
  • See live animals with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
  • Learn about insect and plants with Professor Adam Mitchell
  • Free Ice Cream Truck
  • Snacks, Drinks & Games

Connect with nature and have fun with family and friends! See you there!