Archive for month: February, 2019
It was, as always, magical for me when yesterday our Island’s returning Raven pair flew over my neck of the woods with their familiar “kraaah” and “prruk”. I jumped on my bike and followed them to Race Point. From there, I observed the two birds scavenging for broken reeds and weathered twigs. They flew off ascending in “frolic flight” towards the Lighthouse.
Islander’s observations From the Field this winter include a bald eagle pair feeling at home soaring on thermal uplifts both east and west, and one taking a respite in a vacant osprey nest. The magic continues with a quite possible immature golden eagle sighting near Oyster Pond and even an Opossum!
*never say never….
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Feb. 17, 2019
From today’s Hay Harbor:
With wintertime’s low tides, Big Stony is truly just steps away…
* waxing Gibbous moon tonight
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Feb. 15, 2019
Midst sleet & snow, mourning dove tucks in this late afternoon.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Feb. 12, 2019
Bird neighbors* are always “immediately” appreciative of fresh water provision, breaking away any ice throughout the winter here on Fishers Island.
*family Cardinalidae
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Feb. 12, 2019
According to Brett Molina in a USA Today article published February 12, 2019:
“More than 40 percent of the world’s insect species could go extinct over the next several decades leading to “catastrophic” results for the planet’s various ecosystems, a new study says.”
The study referred to was published in the peer-reviewed journal Biological Conservation. Highlights from the study abstract are:
- Over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction.
- Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and dung beetles (Coleoptera) are the taxa most affected.
- Four aquatic taxa are imperiled and have already lost a large proportion of species.
- Habitat loss by conversion to intensive agriculture is the main driver of the declines.
- Agro-chemical pollutants, invasive species and climate change are additional causes.
The loss of the native insects will have dire consequences for the rest of the life chain. For those who may have missed this article. We are not alone. And we are fighting the right conservation battle. According to Matt McGrath, Environment correspondent at BBC news “Global insect decline may see ‘plague of pests'”. . .
Barred owl overlooks small pond at Race Rock Garden Co.
South Beach Road, Fishers Island
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Feb. 11, 2019
Tucked in the warmth of sunshine, this barred owl rests quietly before tomorrow’s possible 2-4 inches of snow.
*Nature’s beautiful patterns.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Feb. 11, 2019
Commonly referred to as “sea dogs,” harbor seals are considered true seals, with no ear tufts and no elongated fore flippers. This seal has beige pelage (fur).
Today’s Hungry Point, Fishers Island.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 6, 2019
Dappled pelage (fur) and this morning’s sun warm up these harbor seals clumped off Hungry Point, Fishers Island.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 6, 2019