River Otter: Call it a “Day-bed”

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Wildlife biologist Mike Bottini says that, since 2008, the river otter’s range has doubled in size on Long Island. “I expect to see them on the South Shore [of Fishers Island] within the next couple of years,” he said.

From Mar. 21-23, 2013, Bottini surveyed 57 sites on Fishers Island by foot and kayak. Otter sign was noted at 24 sites, with scent stations (scat) found at 23 sites and otter tracks at one site. Two scent stations also had a den nearby. His survey was funded by a grant from FIConservancy.

These photos from Southold show typical river otter couches excavated amongst cattail reeds, usually in marshy areas. Please remark if you happen upon one this Autumn here on Fishers Island!

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 29, 2018.

Red-tailed Hawk vs. Mink

This dramatic image of a red-tailed hawk with its prey, a mink, is proof of the existence of minks on Fishers Island. The mink population here is described as “vibrant”.

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plover

Placid Plover

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This semipalmated plover forages for marine worms within low tide’s mudflats, Fishers Island.

Named for the partial webbing found between its toes, this shorebird species “appears” to be increasing in numbers both on South beach and Big Club beach.

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, August 24, 2018

osprey

Ospreys in Southold Town

Osprey

Bill Colman captured this image of an osprey hunting for fish July 20, 2018 at a dock owned by his in-laws, Bob and Margot Meyer. The picture was taken with a Nikon D800 camera.

Southold Town, which includes Fishers Island, Plum Island and Robins Island, has the densest population of breeding ospreys in eastern Long Island. In 2018, Andrew Edwards used a drone to record 34 fledglings in 17 active nests on Fishers Island.

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dolphins

Dolphins Make Appearance

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Max Soper shot this video of a few pods of dolphins Aug. 4, 2018 in Fishers Island Sound, with Hay Harbor in the background, and shared his exciting observation with FIConservancy. Island Sentinel Gardner Thors was also aboard to confirm sighting.

Although locally reported sightings are relatively rare, common dolphins have been seen in Long Island Sound with increasing regularity since 2009. Observers say they are venturing farther north for big schools of prey fish: Silver-and-yellow Atlantic menhaden (often called “bunker”) form schools by the thousands and are a favorite target for dolphin, porpoise and humpback whales.

Dolphins typically swim 2-4 mph but can reach speeds of 20 mph for brief periods. Coastal dolphins typically do not hold their breath for more than five minutes, which makes for good viewing.

aphids

Watch Out for Oleander Aphids!

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aphids

Non-native Eurasian oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) coat pod of milkweed plant. Dianne Crary Photo

Dianne Crary observed this infestation of oleander aphids on her sister Jane Crary’s milkweed plants. Although spiders and ladybugs eat these aphids, there was no time to wait, because milkweed is the preferred food of monarch butterfly caterpillars.

“How can I control aphids on my milkweed?” is one of the most common questions posed by butterfly gardeners.

Dianne removed them by hand, squishing them or spraying them with soapy water. Check your milkweed plants often for aphids to remove them before an infestation gets a foothold.

Bevy of Bathing Beauties!

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Bird baths prove to be a wonderful way to keep our feet wet identifying resident and migrating birds on Fishers Island.

Here, a male American redstart stops by for a splash between August showers.

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 18, 2018

robin

Becoming a “Round Robin”…

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robin

…but without “competition” for Mom’s attentive feeding schedule.

Nestlings, Fort Wright,Fishers Island.

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 16, 2018

warbler

Morning’s Bathing Beauty

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Blue-winged warbler takes a refreshing dip to cool off during these hot and hazy days here along Fort Stretch, Fishers Island. (Curious chickadee looks on from the edge.)

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 17, 2018

entomology

Exciting Day at Parade Grounds!

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“So creative!” “So well done!” “What a wonderful afternoon!” These were just a few of the comments heard as people left FIConservancy’s first-ever “Conservation on Parade” Sat. Aug. 11 at the Parade Grounds.

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