Current EventsEventsFeatureNewsShorebirds

Shorebirds Take Flight- The 2025 Season Wrap-Up

by Anna White

September is here and the 2025 shorebird season on Fishers Island has officially wrapped up. We have now seen all of our Piping Plover chicks fledge and move on, and the protective fencing that marked our nesting areas has been taken down for the year. Our Least Terns also completed their nesting season, contributing to another busy summer of coastal bird monitoring.

This season was a success in that fledglings were produced at multiple sites, but overall productivity for Piping Plovers averaged 1.4 fledglings per pair, which is lower than the 2.0 fledglings per pair recorded in 2024. Even with protective measures in place, success rates can shift from year to year due to a combination of natural factors and management challenges. Importantly, Fishers Island’s productivity remains higher than both New York State and U.S. averages. In our region, a rate of 1.2 to 1.5 fledglings per pair is considered stable or above average, which means our beaches continue to serve as an important stronghold for plovers. For more on piping plover conservation in New York, visit the NYSDEC Piping Plover page.

2025 Results by Site

At one of our secluded sites near Isabella beach (Secret beach), one plover pair nested and produced four eggs. Three hatched and one chick fledged.

Big Club beach, which was active last year, had no plover activity in 2025.

East beach had one pair that laid four eggs, but none hatched.

Eighth Hole continued to be one of the most productive sites, with one pair attempting two nests. Four chicks hatched there and three fledged.

Stony beach remained inactive.

South beach had, two pairs nested and three chicks fledged, though productivity per pair was lower than last year.

Altogether in 2025, Fishers Island hosted five plover pairs across its beaches. At least twelve eggs were laid, ten chicks hatched, and seven fledged.

The Role of Fencing and Management

Fencing played a key role in protecting nesting areas from disturbance. By keeping people and dogs away from sensitive stretches of beach, fencing gave both plovers and terns a chance to incubate eggs and raise their young with less interference. At the same time, fencing can sometimes bring unintended challenges. Protective structures may draw attention to nests and even attract predators. While fencing is necessary for protection, these subtle dynamics may help explain why plover productivity was lower this year than in 2024. With the season complete, all fencing has now been removed until next year.

Looking Back at 2024

The 2024 season produced stronger results overall for plovers.

At Secret beach, two pairs attempted nesting but outcomes were unknown.

Big Club beach hosted one pair that fledged one chick.

East beach was inactive.

Eighth Hole was the standout, with one pair successfully raising all four of its chicks to fledging.

Stony beach was inactive.

South beach had one pair that fledged three chicks.

In total, 2024 produced five plover pairs, twelve eggs, and eight fledged chicks, for an overall productivity of 2.0 fledglings per pair.

Least Terns also nested successfully in 2024, with multiple pairs using beach habitat and producing young.

Takeaways

Comparing the two years highlights both the successes and challenges of shorebird conservation. Eighth Hole and South beach remained the most productive plover sites, though their outcomes shifted slightly between years. Big Club beach was active in 2024 but not in 2025, while East beach showed activity this year but no successful hatching.

Looking Ahead

By late July and August, both Piping Plovers and Least Terns begin leaving their nesting beaches, with most gone by early September as they head to wintering grounds further south. With the season now closed, we turn our attention to preparing for next year.

Next year will mark our third season working in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We plan to continue improving our program by strengthening monitoring, refining protection measures, and finding new ways to involve the community in conservation!

Stay tuned for next season as we continue to grow this effort, with the shared goal of protecting shorebirds and the habitats they depend on.

If you have questions or want to get involved, feel free to reach out at annarwfic@gmail.com.

Featured photo by Larry Auger

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

Buzz Be Gone- Final Spray of the Season

by Anna White

On August 29th, the Conservancy welcomed the Suffolk County Vector Control team back to the island for their final mosquito control spray of the season. With dry weather and little rain in recent weeks, mosquito larvae numbers have been lower than usual. Still, the team conducted their scheduled spray to ensure community health and comfort.

During their visit, Vector Control staff collected water samples to check for mosquito larvae. Some were found in small pockets of standing water, particularly in items like buckets left outdoors where rainwater had collected. Examining these samples provided an important reminder: mosquitoes can breed in even the smallest amounts of standing water.

This shallow pool of water shows the kind of environment where mosquitoes thrive. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on still water, and larvae hatch and develop there. While Suffolk County Vector Control monitors natural wetlands, in backyards the biggest problem often comes from containers like buckets, flowerpots, clogged gutters, and even bottlecaps.
Community tip: Empty and scrub containers that collect rainwater! This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help stop mosquitoes before they start.

In this dipper sample, you can see mosquito larvae (sometimes called “wigglers”). They spend their early life in water, feeding on organic matter and surfacing to breathe. By sampling larvae, Vector Control can determine where mosquitoes are breeding and act early to prevent them from maturing into biting adults.

Here, a Vector Control specialist applies a treatment using a backpack sprayer. Suffolk County uses targeted, EPA-approved methods that include:

Larvicides (such as Bti, a natural bacterium) placed in standing water to eliminate larvae before they mature.

Adulticides sprayed in dense vegetation, where adult mosquitoes rest during the day, to reduce populations during peak biting season.

These methods are carefully managed to minimize impacts on non-target species while protecting public health.

The Suffolk County Vector Control team plays a critical role in keeping Fishers Island safe and comfortable during mosquito season. Their expertise, combined with community action (like reducing standing water) creates the best defense against mosquitoes.

We are grateful for this partnership and for the continued efforts to protect both our health and our environment.

To learn more about Suffolk County Vector Control’s work and methods, visit their official website.

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail Opens with Dedication to Janet Harvey

by Anna White

The Fishers Island Conservancy is proud to be part of the newly opened Silver Eel–Race Point Coastal Trail and the dedication of the Janet Harvey Sanctuary – two projects that highlight what’s possible when the island comes together around a shared vision for conservation and public access!

This new trail links Silver Eel Cove to Race Point and travels through a mix of restored and protected landscapes, including Ferry Park, where the Conservancy has led extensive habitat restoration and native planting efforts over the past several years. It’s an area we’ve worked hard to return to native coastal meadow and pollinator-friendly habitat, and we’re excited to now have it accessible as part of a continuous public trail on the island’s West End.

One key section of the trail travels over the 1,200-foot berm created by the Fishers Island Ferry District in 2022. That project used over 2,500 cubic yards of clean sand dredged from Silver Eel Cove to build a graded berm between the high tide line and the parking area. The Ferry District invited the Conservancy to advise on stabilizing and beautifying the berm and we were thrilled to recommend, source, and sponsor the planting of native grasses. Today, that stretch is lush, protected, and an important part of the trail corridor.

The trail winds from the Lighthouse Works Public Art installation, through Ferry Park and the Ordnance, into the newly established Janet Harvey Sanctuary, and onward to the meadows, shorelines, and historic sites at Race Point.

The five-acre Janet Harvey Sanctuary was made possible through a license agreement with the Fishers Island Waste Management District. It protects a section of coastal habitat along with historic Fort Wright structures, offering views over Long Island Sound and back toward the Fort’s inland batteries. Named in honor of Janet Hardie Harvey, the sanctuary reflects her commitment to both the natural world and ensuring island landscapes are available to all.

This project is the result of collaboration across the Museum, the Waste Management District, the Ferry District, the Conservancy, and Brad and Mary Burnham, owners of the Ordnance property. It’s the kind of partnership work that’s essential to sustaining the island’s ecological and cultural heritage.

The community is invited to join the dedication and opening walk this Sunday, August 10, at 9 AM at the Ordnance (between the Paddle Courts and the FICC). Light breakfast, coffee, and brief remarks will be followed by a trail walk.

Later in the day at 4 PM, Museum Director Pierce Rafferty will give a talk on the island’s conservation history.

We’re proud to have contributed to this effort and look forward to seeing the community on the trail!

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Marine Reports

Marine Debris August 2025

by Anna White

Marine Debris Report
August 2025
Collected across island beaches
Total weight: 1,007  lbs | Total hours: 164
~ Michele Klimczak

DATEZONELOCATIONWEIGHT (LBS)HOURS
8/1/2025S3Chocomount beaches344.5
8/2/2025Nature Day05.5
8/4/2025N1Airport beaches, Ordinance, Silver Eel Cove, Ferry Park, Little Stony, behind Holiday House326
8/4/2025N1Big Stony484
8/5/2025N6North Hill beaches, Dock beach, through Clay Point Rd beaches478
8/6/2025N5Chocomount Cove beaches through Hungry Point beaches507.5
8/7/2025S2Secret beach to Isabella to Wilderness Point beaches679
8/8/2025E4Latimer Light beaches to East Harbor437.5
8/11/2025E4Castle Rd beaches to behind Money Pond467
8/12/2025S3Beaches before Big Club + all of Chocomount beaches387
8/13/2025N1Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony to Holiday House Beaches387.5
8/14/2025N6Clay Point Rd beaches + Brick yard Rd, Dock beaches to North Hill388.5
8/15/2025N5Chocomount Cove beaches to end of Hungry Point beaches448
8/16/2025S2Race Rock, Sanctuary of Sands, South Beach335
8/17/2025S2Wilderness Point beaches464
8/18/2025S2Isabella beaches343.5
8/18/2025S3Chocomount beaches304
8/19/2025S3Beaches before Big Club263
8/19/2025E4Latimer Light beaches395
8/20/2025E4Castle Rd beaches through behind Money Pound beaches466
8/21/2025N1Airport beaches to Ordinance Ferry Park to Silver Eel Cover to Little Stony to Holiday House Beaches (STORM)407
8/22/2025S2Race Rock, Sanctuary of Sands, South Beach317
8/25/2025S2Wilderness point through Isabella beaches467.5
8/26/2025N6North Hill beaches, Dock, Brick yard Rd to Clay Point Rd beaches337
8/27/2025N5Chocomount Cove beaches through Hungry Point beaches347.5
8/28/2025S3Beach before Big Club + Chocomount beaches447.5

View Sample Photo Gallery Below

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNewsShorebirds

August Shorebird Update

by Anna White

As summer winds down, shorebird season is still going strong in a few key locations! Most of our fencing has come down for the season, except at Eighth Hole, where one determined pair of Piping Plovers has captured our hearts.

On July 9th, after a nerve-wracking holiday weekend during which crowds pushed up against the fencing, our nesting pair at Eighth Hole stayed strong. Despite extreme stress and the very real risk of abandonment, they successfully hatched 4 healthy chicks!

These chicks are now just over 2 weeks old and are actively cruising around Eighth Hole Beach. Piping Plover chicks typically fledge at around 25–30 days old, so we’re expecting them to take flight sometime in the next few weeks. The fencing at Eighth Hole will stay up until the chicks have safely fledged!

Our team is conducting weekly observations, and we’re thrilled to report that the chicks are doing great!

Just over at FI Beach Pond (or Secret Beach) another plover family is thriving. One pair has hatched 3 chicks, with 1 chick noticeably larger than theother two. This is a great reminder that not all eggs hatch at exactly the same time, even within the same clutch. Some embryos develop more quickly than others, leading to slight size differences early on.

Piping Plover Chick Photo by Elsie Harrington

Piping Plover Chick Photo by Elsie Harrington

And it’s not just plovers keeping us busy… Least Tern activity is picking up, too! We’ve observed…

2 Least Tern pairs, each with active broods

  • 1 pair has been seen tending to 2 small chicks

  • The 2nd pair was spotted with at least 1 chick under close watch

    Adult Least Tern with two chicks in the fog Photo by Anna White

    Two Least Tern chicks in the fog Photo by Anna White

 

We’ll continue monitoring these families closely as the season wraps up. Every fledgling bird is a victory for conservation!

If you have questions or want to get involved, feel free to reach out at annarwfic@gmail.com.

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

An Evening to Remember: Recap of Sunset on the Beach 2025

by Anna White

Sunset on the Beach 2025 turned into something bigger than a single evening. From Friday through Sunday, the island was full of conversations, field work, late night discoveries, and time spent together around the work we care about most.

Here’s how the weekend unfolded.

Friday

We kicked things off on Friday, July 18, with a community panel discussion focused on the environmental work happening across Fishers Island.

Dr. Marina Caillaud, Dr. Adam Mitchell, Stephanie Hall, and Anna White each shared updates from their areas of expertise. The conversation touched on insect and plant diversity, shorebird monitoring, marine debris removal, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and the growing role of youth through the Sentinel Program. Moderated by Ben Strong, the evening offered a thoughtful look at how all of these efforts connect.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the full panel discussion here:

[Panel Discussion Playback Video Here]

Later that night, we headed out to the Parade Grounds for Moth Night Into the Lights. With white sheets glowing under vapor lamps, families, students, and curious night owls gathered to see what would appear. Led by Dr. Adam Mitchell and members of the FIRST team, the evening was equal parts science and wonder. Moths, beetles, and other nocturnal insects came in steadily, adding to our annual biodiversity survey and reminding us how alive the landscape is after dark.

Saturday

Saturday morning began in the field with Insect Catching and Identification at the Parade Grounds. Bryan Danforth and Marina Caillaud guided participants of all ages through the basics of sweep netting, handling insects, and learning how to identify what we found. It was hands on, engaging, and a great way to connect the science to what was buzzing and crawling right in front of us.

Later that morning, Dr. Doug Tallamy led a nature walk through the restored landscape of the Parade Grounds. Walking the site together brought his message into focus. Native plants were not just part of a theory. They were supporting insects, which support birds and the broader web of life. Seeing those relationships in person made the ideas feel real and immediate.

That evening, we gathered at the Beach Club for Sunset on the Beach. With clear skies and golden light over the water, the atmosphere felt relaxed and celebratory. Friends caught up, families mingled, and conversations flowed easily.

This year’s event held special meaning as we honored Dr. Tallamy for his decades of work in conservation and education. His influence can be felt not only through Homegrown National Park, but also right here on Fishers Island, where his ecological guidance helped shape the restoration of the Parade Grounds. We were proud to recognize his contributions with a small tribute and heartfelt thanks from a community that has been inspired by his work.

Tom Sargent, President of the Fishers Island Conservancy, presenting at Sunset on the Beach Photo by Jane Crary
Dr. Doug Tallamy accepting his award during Sunset on the Beach Photo by Jane Crary

Sunday

Sunday morning offered another opportunity to walk the Parade Grounds with Dr. Tallamy. The second walk gave more people the chance to ask questions, look closely at the landscape, and think about how conservation can start at home.

In the afternoon, the weekend concluded with Dr. Tallamy’s talk at the Fishers Island Movie Theater, with others joining via Zoom. In his presentation on Homegrown National Park, he laid out a clear and hopeful message. Conservation cannot rely only on distant protected lands. It must also happen where we live. Lawns, private properties, and public spaces all have the potential to become meaningful habitat.

He spoke about the powerful relationship between native plants, insects, and birds, offering both scientific insight and practical steps people can take in their own yards. The talk ended with thoughtful questions, a book signing, and a reception that carried the conversation into the evening.

A Week That Reflected Our Mission

From scientific panels and nocturnal insect surveys to guided walks and community celebration, the week surrounding Sunset on the Beach 2025 reflected what conservation looks like in action on Fishers Island. It brought together researchers, youth participants, volunteers, and longtime supporters. It connected data collection with public education. And it reinforced the idea that meaningful environmental change grows from community engagement.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, participated, volunteered, and supported the events throughout the week. Your energy and commitment continue to move this work forward.

Scroll through some of our favorite moments from the week below.

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

Meet the Hickory Horned Devil

by Anna White

juvenile stage by Kristen Peterson

The Hickory Horned Devil is the largest caterpillar in North America and one of the most unforgettable. It goes through a dramatic transformation, beginning life as a small, dark, spiky creature and growing into a bright green, six-inch-long caterpillar with vivid red horns and a prehistoric look. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is completely harmless!

Early Life

In its early stages, the Hickory Horned Devil is easy to miss. Young caterpillars are dark-colored with long, fine spines and short horns that often have spoon-shaped tips. They may have reddish coloring along their midsection and spend this time feeding on leaves in the canopy of native trees like sumac, walnut, sweetgum, and hickory. This color phase is brief but fascinating, and those familiar with the species may still recognize it even at this early stage.

 

full size caterpillar by Murray Fisher

full size caterpillar by Murray Fisher

Growing Up

With each molt, the caterpillar grows larger and brighter. Eventually, it reaches its full size, glowing green with black-tipped red horns, and covered in subtle blue and yellow markings. This stage typically peaks in August, when the caterpillar prepares for the next chapter of its life cycle.

 

Pupation stages by Richard Stickney

As summer winds down, mature Hickory Horned Devils leave the trees and begin to crawl across the ground, searching for soft soil. Once they find a suitable spot, they burrow underground to pupate. Unlike many other moths, they do not spin a cocoon. Instead, they remain underground in a tough, smooth pupal shell where they will spend the winter.

 

Adult Regal Moth by Naomi Zahn (FIRST)

The Final Form: Regal Moth

The following summer, if all goes well, the adult moth emerges. Known as the Regal Moth or Royal Walnut Moth, this beautiful insect is one of the largest moths in North America. It has rust-orange forewings with cream spots and soft gray hindwings with orange stripes. While stunning in its own right, the adult moth lives only for a short time and does not eat—it exists solely to reproduce and continue the cycle.

Why It Matters

The Hickory Horned Devil is not just a fascinating insect… it is also a valuable part of our native ecosystem! Its presence on Fishers Island indicates healthy host plant populations and minimal pesticide use. Like many native caterpillars, it provides food for birds and other wildlife and plays a role in supporting broader biodiversity!

We are fortunate to spot this species on the island. Whether you’re walking a trail or tending your garden, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures and appreciate their place in our shared landscape.

If you’ve photographed one on Fishers Island, we’d love to see it! Share your sightings with us and help us celebrate the wildlife that makes this place so special.

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNature DayNews

Nature Day Story Walk

by Anna White

Join the Fishers Island Library at Nature Days, hosted by Fishers Island Conservancy, for a magical Story Walk!

Saturday, August 2 @ 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Family Event


Take a leisurely stroll along the Parade Grounds and discover a story, one page at a time, posted along the path. Perfect for all ages — enjoy nature and a great read together! Don’t miss this family-friendly adventure!

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNature DayNews

Nature Day 2025

by Anna White

 Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Celebrate the wild side of Fishers Island with us at Nature Day – a free, family-friendly morning of exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning dedicated to the island’s unique natural environment!

Event Highlights

Live Animal Encounters

Meet amazing creatures up close with the Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Their engaging wildlife educators will introduce you to native animals and fascinating facts about local ecosystems.

Mystic Aquarium

Stop by the Mystic Aquarium table to explore exciting educational displays and learn about ocean life and conservation.

Marine Debris Exhibit – “Living in the Sea, We are Trying to Keep Clean”


Michele’s annual marine debris table returns with a new theme highlighting the ways sea life interacts with the very ocean we’re trying to protect! Get a firsthand look at the materials removed from our shorelines and explore how pollution affects marine creatures and their habitat.

Youth Sentinels

Get inspired by the next generation of environmental stewards. Our student conservationists will be on hand to share their research, discoveries, and what it means to be a sentinel for nature.

Seagrass Management Coalition

Why does eelgrass matter? Learn about the vital role of seagrass in coastal ecosystems and how it’s being protected through local and regional efforts. Hannah Vagts, Coordinator for the Fishers Island Seagrass Management (FISM) coalition, will be on-site to share updates, answer questions, and discuss how community-driven conservation is preserving Fishers Island’s underwater meadows for generations to come. Learn more about this work at fiseagrass.org.

FIRST – Science in the Field


Explore how our Research and Survey team studies the island’s environment. Through interactive displays and demonstrations, discover how science is helping safeguard Fishers Island’s future.

Story Walk with FI Library

Take a leisurely stroll along the Parade Grounds and discover a story – one page at a time -posted along the path. Perfect for all ages, this self-guided walk combines nature with a great read. Don’t miss this family-friendly adventure.

Scavenger Hunt & Prizes

Join our free Nature Day Scavenger Hunt!

FREE Breakfast and Ice Cream

Start your morning with a free breakfast from Billy at the Fishers Island Village Market, and cool off afterward with free ice cream from the vintage truck – available to all!

FREE Movie at the theater

The FI movie theater will be open during the event, showing a nature-themed film on loop. Admission is free and seating is open throughout the morning.

Nature Day is free and open to the public. No registration required. Just bring your curiosity and your love for the island.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Current EventsEventsFeatureNews

Panel Discussion

by Anna White

Join us for a special evening of conversation and insight into the environmental work happening on Fishers Island.

On Friday, July 18, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, the Fishers Island Conservancy will host a panel discussion featuring four expert, presenting their research, programs, and conservation efforts.

The panel will feature presentations by:

Dr. Marina Caillaud
PhD in Genetic Resources and Plant Breeding
Senior Lecturer in Entomology at Cornell University and FI Conservancy board member since 2019

Dr. Adam Mitchell
PhD in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology
Assistant Professor at Tarleton State University and longtime FI biodiversity researcher as well as the founder of our Fishers Island Research and Survey Team (FIRST)

Stephanie Hall
MS in Molecular Genetics
Head of the Conservancy’s Sentinel Program

Anna White
BS in Fish and Wildlife Conservation Ecology
Field Director at the Fishers Island Conservancy and former intern

Each speaker will present work related to their area of expertise, including insect and plant diversity, bird and shorebird monitoring, marine debris removal, habitat restoration, and invasive species management. The program will also highlight the Conservancy’s ongoing youth engagement and data collection efforts.

The discussion will be moderated by Ben Strong, Treasurer of the Fishers Island Conservancy.

This event is open to all members of the community. It is a chance to learn more about the important work happening across the island and to hear directly from the scientists and staff leading these efforts!

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