Seeing The Logic In EcoLOGICal

I always feel grateful to be ever fascinated with Nature and that for myself it only takes a moment to connect with both the fascination AND gratitude part-after all Nature is all around.

I have stopped wondering if I am “normal”, stopped asking myself if other people naturally (and continually) desire to connect with natural surroundings, always captivated by its wildlife and ecosystems. And perhaps I am learning this an integral part of who a Naturalist is.

I was all prepared to write about ecology and “crypsis” or the ability of live animals to avoid (hide) observation and detection. It is a simple strategy to either find food (predation) or keep from being eaten by adapting to being in an antipredator state.

My desire is to keep it simple though – even recognize that the great Creator’s creatures come equipped with such a fine art as camouflage fascinates me!

A recent trek to area wetlands presented itself as an all together different habitat when compared to coastal and Island ecosystems I am familiar with.

A wide eyed Green Heron, a discreet Sora Rail, and dozing Alligator kin together displayed such fine moments of “crypsis”.

I think any data sheet should have a Moments of Wonder column.

My hope for future Fishers Island Sentinels is that like me, they will always feel and see the logic that Nature presents in moments exploring in the field.

There are great expeditions to be had on a tiny Island-all to be grateful for.

O Armadillo

I have to admit I hadn’t thought about Armadillos much; that I would bump into one or even consider checking a box for this peculiar species on a data sheet in Florida. I just imagined they were out west under scorching sun, rooting in dust and dodging tumbleweeds, maybe near the Alamo-but even there they weren’t observed much till the late 1800’s.
The more familiar Nine banded Armadillo originated in South America along with numerous and fairly odd looking species relatives. And you wouldn’t necessarily have to be a scientist to recognize they are in the same family as anteaters and sloths (just look at them!) But maybe only a scientist would know Armadillos also have pouches for their young and slow(even slothful) metabolisms. I think the Aztecs were spot on Naturalists in naming them “turtle rabbits”.

I was surprised to read even now Nebraska provides habitat for the Armadillo -they don’t have many natural predators with their tough armored shell. So who knows, given some transmigration of the species, and in 50 years Fishers Island may also be home to the Armadillo-they are good swimmers!

Today under the shady canopy of a maritime forest at Canaveral National Seashore is a place where I see Armadillos rooting vigorously for grubs and insects. They prefer to burrow alone-so I often just observe one.  An Armadillo’s tiny eyes are slow to spot me on a sunny day, but with those rabbit-like ears, my presence is detected and this beautifully camouflaged, and yes, weird looking creature scurries away.

Conservation Status Symbols

I sat ever so quietly this morning, under the canopy of Live Oak draped with Spanish moss-a protected spot inside the Indian River Preserve Park. Mourning Doves cooed, an Osprey soared overhead and then two tiny lizards scurried back and forth across a dried palm frond at my feet. We watched each other inquisitively.
While my field note was happily intended to describe these 5 inch female Florida scrub lizards (the male is adorned with bright turquoise patches on throat and belly) and how they may very well soon be guarding several clutches of tiny eggs after their spring courtship and mating season…..

There was a change in thought:

The Florida scrub lizard is “near threatened” (NT) which means the species is likely to become “endangered” (EN) in the near future.

And then in time we might have to tag another (EN) to the lizard’s favorite scrub areas which provide dry and sandy ridges of pine and oak, because this habitat is speedily declining with intense development and wildfire suppression.

I read again the color coded indicator, like a mileage key on a map- this is only a hop, skip and a jump away from high risk of “extinction” (EX) for these lizards in the wild!

“Status Symbols” ranging from somewhat safe green to alarming red and depressing black are defining nature in our life time…..

And while different factors such as species population rise and fall, breeding success as well as threats are all considered when assessing conservation status, for me simply the development of such an indicator (in the first place!) that is now so common for every species of flora and fauna?

I can see there must be a change.

Coastal Uplands

In between covering the chapters of my textbook and taking notes during classes on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon, I have also happily covered quite a few miles pedaling a cruiser bicycle while learning to “read” a very unique coast. 
During this morning’s trek I likened this Coastal Upland profile to a Trilogy as there are three major zones.

Nearest the ocean and under nature’s harshest conditions of shifting sands and wind, hardy vegetation manages to takes root in the Beach and Fore Dune area.

Back on Fishers Island this zone is a different read altogether with ever familiar mounds of smooth stones piled upward towards the scrub lines of Chocomount, Isabella, and South beaches.

Walking landward here, I observe scrub plant diversity quite unlike our Island species back home ranging from shrub-like palms, Florida Privet, to Prickly Cactus. This is the Transitional zone.

And thirdly, monitoring a Maritime Forest could become a favorite and even best-seller “read” for any Naturalist. Occurring on old dunes this Live Oak Hammock (canopy) forms habitat complexity and biodiversity of plants and animals.

Trails meandering around Oyster Pond on Fishers Island and throughout the Betty Matthiessen Sanctuary might be compared to a unique Maritime Forest.

Future Island Sentinels could include that area in their monitoring endeavors.

What a “novel” idea!

Adopt-A-Beach

I have been thinking a lot about Stewardship and just what principles it takes to effectively oversee and protect the Island we all cherish and value-enough to “preserve, enrich, and enhance our resources and surrounding waters”
 Here,this morning I headed for the beach and trekked through Smyrna Dunes Park, navigating atop its elevated boardwalks. With the sun beating down on sandy slopes of these uplands, short shadows fall behind native Gopher Turtles emerging from burrows.  I can hear the breaking of ocean waves.

At first glance, floating on their boards in glistening wetsuits, surfers remind me of seals rafting together off Alaskan shores I once monitored.

I am struck by the beauty of a pristine beachscape despite the prevalent human element.

As I step off the boardwalk I notice a weathered sign-a bit of rust, a letter or two faded but never the less a message put to GREAT use!

The Smyrna Surfari Club has “adopted” a mile of beach here.

Well known for 35 years, the Club not only historically sponsors competition, but provides scholarships and has awarded over $150,000 to senior high school graduates who love to surf!

Thank you Smyrna Surfari Club for reminding me that sharing the responsibility

in caring for our environment is the essential principle that establishes Stewardship.

Back home on Fishers Island I can envision “Adopt-A Beach” signs perhaps in discreet spots along South, Isabella,  and Chocomount…representing maybe a softball team or two, a store, a family or three, even a graduating class, or sailing team.

Simply put….. Litter is “Bogus” and Stewardship is “Bodacious”!