Entries by fic0n5erv

A Good Read

It is said (or read) that a book that is illuminating and well worth the time it takes to read it- is indeed a “Good Read” I think of a beach as a book. “Tidal”: South Beach For instance, the more time I spend on South Beach, the more I understand the present flow of […]

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River Otter Survey of Fishers Island

By Guest Naturalist Mike Bottini In late March, 2013, three colleagues and I arrived on Fishers Island to survey for river otter (Lontra canadensis) – thanks to a grant from the Fishers Island Conservancy. You may wonder, as many have asked, “Why look for river otters on an island that has no rivers?” As is […]

Rock Steady Revisited

Admittedly, I have been a bit sentimental when it comes to checking up on Chocomount’s recovery. A favorite “Picnic Rock” spot. Erosion from the tumults of hurricane surges and wintery blasts have left me wondering just how this beachscape may appear come summertime. Photos taken in late January are now compared to this early April.

Spring’s Renewal

I caught the moon this morning-waning to be full once more. I see the buds of a tree silently bursting to soon blossom. A Ring-necked Pheasant’s shrill call declares arrival. A once vacant Osprey’s nest is occupied now. A Great Horned Owl announces Renewal-of all sorts.  

Good Natured Beachgoers

Location: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge & Little Torch Key, Florida The small Key Deer and slow Gopher Tortoise are steady beachgoers here. I enjoy the privilege of encountering these animals as I explore Floridian coastal marine preserves. Both are listed as endangered species and are protected- their populations now becoming more visible and I […]

Naturalist’s Walkabout

Crystal River, Florida Time: 6:30am. Temperature: 28 Water Temp: 72 It’s early morning and I am shivering a bit and squinting my eyes to adjust through the clouds of sea smoke rising off the river. I am laughing a bit too. I had thought a little walkabout to southern waters and National Wildlife Refuges would […]

Confessions of a Naturalist

Last week I found a tiny diamond earring on the floor of a locker room. When I asked the woman next to me if it might belong to her she said “No, but how on earth did you ever spot that?” I laughed, then smiled and confided in her. “I walk beaches a lot and […]

Natural History Lessons

I find that exploring different ecosystems of Fishers Island will gift a naturalist with the very presence of nature’s wonder. I find too, that in those present moments of discovery there is often a history lesson for me – of a different sort. While observing seals far off on two rock clumps on the northeast […]

Winter Stillness

There is a hushhhhhh today on Island. I can see it. But for a distant call of a Loon across Hay harbor, A  Herring Gull announcing lunch time on South Beach, A ripple slides silently out Silver Eel Pond While snowy sands sit on Dock Beach.  

Seals in Snow

It was very still amidst snow flurries at Hungry Point this afternoon. From where I stood I counted 143 Harbor seals on both rock haul-out sites. A female Cardinal kept me company.