American Oystercatchers Return

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The first pair of American oystercatchers spotted on Stony Beach Mar. 29. Justine Kibbe Photo

Three pairs of American oystercatchers have returned to Fishers Island. FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe observed the first pair at about 2 p.m. March 29 on Stony Beach in Hay Harbor. She reported the second pair on Sanctuary of Sands, along the Elizabeth Field Runway April 22 and the third pair on Stony Beach April 23.

“I tell young students that there is a great need on-Island to provide safe sanctuary and healthy habitat for dwindling wildlife,” Ms. Kibbe said.

The American oystercatcher, occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, was originally called the “sea pie”. It was renamed in 1731, when naturalist Mark Catesby observed the bird eating oysters. Oystercatchers feed on crustaceans and mollusks and are able to open crab shells and oysters with their strong red beaks.

One of the second pair of American oystercatchers observed April 22 at Sanctuary of Sands along Elizabeth Field runway. Justine Kibbe Photo

The third pair of American oystercatchers were observed on Stony Beach, Hay Harbor April 23. Justine Kibbe Photo.

Big Stony Residents Are Back

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Snapping Snapshot

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Rising up from murky and shadowy pond waters, a curious snapping turtle along South Beach Road.

*Race Rock Garden Co., Fishers Island

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 23, 2019

Oystercatcher Catch-up

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Today there are two pairs of American oystercatchers documented within the Sanctuary of Sands along Elizabeth Field runway.

Three piping plover are noted as well.

Kindly continue to tread lightly, and PLEASE leash all dogs.

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 22, 2019

The Beat Goes On*

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These days we’re likely to hear the “drumming” of woodpeckers, as they stake their territories with bills rapidly tapping midst the still bare and budding trees.

Here, a male Red-bellied woodpecker fuels up on his neighbor’s pheasant food.

*West End, Fishers Island

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 22, 2019

Beaver Believers

Multiple people reported late afternoon beaver sightings on the West End in April. The first was April 18 near the airport, and the second was April 19 at the Gatehouse. This is a good thing! Beavers are critical to the healthy ecology of streams and wetlands.

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American Kestral

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Quick sneak preview!

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe April 17, 2019

Kestral’s Keep

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Last year, Islander Ken Edwards placed a large bird box constructed for the American Kestral within Parade Grounds meadows maintained by Fishers Island Conservancy. We are all hoping this smallest and most delicate falcon will nest.

Today, I was happy to see three Kestrals diving and darting, hunting and hovering midst trees closest to South beach.

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 17, 2019

Wise One West*

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Within the warmth of a blue-sky day, a Barred owl hides out West End, Fishers Island.

My neck of the woods…

From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, April 16, 2019

Into the Woods

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Into the Woods*

These particular weeks of Spring, before foliage takes to bud and bloom, be sure to peek into the woods and spy a Barred owl basking in the sunlight…

*West End, Fishers Island

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, April 16, 2019