Solstice, I look forward to your visit.
I like your altitude with disposition so sunny.
Before me you present moments most bright, the Now of my being here.
Behind me you present a shadow, the Then of my being here.
Memories on an Island
Still light.
I happened upon an “older” photo of Isabella Beach this morning-dated
August 2011.
The thought was to document tidal erosion on Fishers Island’s beaches.
Many tide cycles (super and not so super) have past, along with two hurricanes.
Today, the beach is wider with its scrub line pushed back.
There are peaks and valleys of more and more rocks.
Islanders will have to find their own “familiar” this summer.
Fog: “Raise the curtain”
Wave: “Roll out the red carpet”
Chocomount: “A sanding ovation for this Rock of stages”
Active and fiercely territorial House Wren seeks cavity nest dwelling just about anywhere on Island.
Coarse twigs, assorted leaf decay, cottony spider cocoons- all a big mess but a must.
Fine horse tail fibers borrowed from ponies on the Peninsula very desirable.
Plastic wrappings from cigarette box certainly not necessary (non smoker)
Must accommodate clutch of 5-8 brown speckled eggs
Bluebird nesting boxes preferable!
While statistics say I am a bit more than a bird watcher (must identify 10 or more species), I don’t consider myself a full fledged “birder”.
Even if I can identify 40 or more species of birds, it is only because I know I love my time spent observing birds and their routines, social behavior, even antics.
Consider the Great Egret:
The National Audubon Society was founded in 1905.But I didn’t know that its mission to preserve our nation’s bird species started in 1886 when a group of concerned citizens took a stand to ban the killing of the Great Egret. These birds were hunted and in rapid decline for their fashionable feathers. Today, the bird is alive and thriving- still the Society’s symbol.
While traveling south last winter and viewing these magnificent birds, I decided to dedicate more time watching the Great Egret back here on Fishers Island.
This spring, I now know they are active in several quiet coves and also dwell around the Island coast. Look east at the Big Club beach and you’ll often see an Egret enjoying low tide. A summer returnee fishes in Hay Harbor, a familiar pair wades in West Harbor, and I count the largest “colony” in Darby Cove.
Mostly I see Great Egrets feeding in wetlands and low tidal habitats.
Like statues, they stand motionless propped up on stilt-like legs. The head tilts ever so slightly, the eyes zoom in, and they just wait…..then in a blink their long yellow bill spears a fish.
The other day I snuck up on a Great Egret, which was no easy feat.
With no winds to give me away, I sat crouched in my white jacket behind a boulder and just watched…