Raptors on Parade

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As you trek within the Parade Grounds on Fishers Island, in the evening hours of spring, just before sunset; most likely you’ll spy a Harrier or two. Known to soar low over these grassy fields and the South beach dunes, this hawk frequently veers its course to include the marshy pond area (“Marsh hawk”); typically hunting for small birds and mice. Adult male Harriers are more grayish in color so I am thinking this is a female that visited with me- swooping in and landing on the telephone pole near the Bike Shop.

These majestic raptors are ground nesters-PLEASE keep all dogs on leash, helping to steward this sensitive habitat.

– Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe April 25, 2018

Hidden egrets

Spying Hidden Egrets

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Nearby to Oyster Pond, far above the brackish brine, wrapped within knotted and draping vine -see two hidden Egrets. Great they are. See the male on lower branch? This spring season note his wispy breeding plumage and green “eye shadow”.

– Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe April 24, 2018

Blue Grosbeak Stay

Stay Just A Little Bit Longer…

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Out in The Field, Fishers Islanders often stop alongside the bike path pointing me in the direction of some unexpected “find”. I am always grateful for “Citizen Science” in the works…a VERY rarely seen Blue Grosbeak feeds on seed near the Driving Range. View Field Note

– Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe April 23, 2018

Spring thaw

Finally, Spring’s Thaw

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It’s a tranquil commuter’s hour across Fishers Island Sound.
Brant geese feed north side “Where the wild things are.”

These geese may just remain coastal here until their nesting region in the Arctic tundra thaws a bit and is suitable for their homecoming during summer months.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe April 16, 2018

sweetness of spring

Sweetness of Spring

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I bicycled up to the log cabin on Ski’s Landing to catch the Rollin Boil of Sugar Maple sap collected here on Fishers Island.

The first morning of Spring – sure to bring forth a first batch of Syrup soon!

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 21, 2018

Plastic bag debris

Speaking Out About Plastic Debris

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We see it so often here on Fishers Island that I just can’t “bag it!” (hush up about it!)
Why bring our own satchels and shopping totes to market?
“The answer is blowin in the wind”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 18, 2018

Marine Debris

Constant Battle Marine Debris

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Storms surrounding Fishers Island only deliver marine debris “faster” into our precious coves, harbors and surrounding coastline –we are, though, everyday constantly under “siege”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 2, 2018

March in like a lion

March in Like a Lion!

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Storm surge & fierce winds from the northeast envelop Silver eel Cove, Fishers Island.
– A Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe March 2, 2018

harbor seal

Hey! Hay Harbor Seal

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After swimming a few laps in the “Tank” at Hay Harbor Club, this lone seal snoozes a bit before heading off into the lush Eel Grass meadows just north side here on Fishers Island.

– Video Snippet by FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe, February 15, 2018

ducky with winter

Just Ducky with Winter!

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Fishers Island Sound is calm, almost mirror – like before a wintery mix of weather. This Black duck “skates” along while foraging north side “Where the Wild things are”.

– Video Snippet by FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe, February 15, 2018