That’s what I was thinking this late morning walking past South Dumpling & Flat Hammock north side.
According to our Seagrass mapping, there is an Eelgrass “pasture” that wraps around Flat Hammock with growth towards the Dumplings.
I like to envision surrounding underwater habitat as “mini” marine sanctuaries that can and should be monitored, protected and preserved for our Island’s future.
The chilly temps continue here today, but so do bald eagle sightings, making early March a bit more “sunny” and bearable….
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 7, 2019
Taking a Fresh Look
From the Field, Video SnippetsThat’s what I was thinking this late morning walking past South Dumpling & Flat Hammock north side.
According to our Seagrass mapping, there is an Eelgrass “pasture” that wraps around Flat Hammock with growth towards the Dumplings.
I like to envision surrounding underwater habitat as “mini” marine sanctuaries that can and should be monitored, protected and preserved for our Island’s future.
The chilly temps continue here today, but so do bald eagle sightings, making early March a bit more “sunny” and bearable….
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 7, 2019
No Vacancy
Field Notes, From the FieldThe Gem…
Field Notes, From the Field…that is Fishers Island.
I wanted to give folks an idea of the VERY precious Eelgrass meadows that surround our Island.
Yesterday, I attended a Fishers Island Seagrass Management meeting with student representative Nick Hall.
A small subcommittee of the Coalition met to discuss:
“Community Monitoring & Citizen Science”.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Mar. 1, 2019
Common Loon
From the Field, Video SnippetsQuick peek this morning within Silver Eel Cove.
This fish-eating bird looks to be a juvenile, still “wearing” its partial white collar plumage. It appears Loon have become more “common” in waters around Fishers Island these years, especially in north side coves.
*Listen for their yodeling or wailing calls echo in the calm…
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 28, 2019
Weather Permitting
From the Field, Video SnippetsI was out in the Field early this morning; following up on yesterday’s River otter sighting within Duck pond. Perhaps with 1-3 inches of expected snow tonight, folks can certainly keep a look out for otter’s unmistakable tracks.
In the meanwhile, 65mph wind gusts have disintegrated over Fishers Island; permitting this male Red-breasted Merganser to share his familiar “shaggy crest” -sporting breeding plumage while sailing along Race Point.
– From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, February 27, 2019
Widgeon View*
From the Field, Video SnippetsMeanwhile, with seals taking over these sea ducks’ favorite resting grounds, a flotilla of Widgeon glide over to the eastern tip of South Beach, where foraging looks good.
These beautiful ducks also like to graze occasionally on Hay Harbor Golf Course. Keep a look out!
* Very cold and wobbly snippet
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
Cliffside View
Field Notes, From the FieldLooks to be a younger Gray seal, or possibly Harp seal, with dappled pelage.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
Washed Ashore*
From the Field, Video SnippetsThis morning, a community member let me know of a “not so typical” seal sighting south side, Fishers Island. I rode up to find what I believe is a “younger” Gray seal, or possibly Harp seal. With all the winds and tides, it could have landed here. I will keep an eye on the animal and notify our Island First Responders to contact Mystic Aquarium should it appear ill or stranded.
*Gray seals are pelagic, spending more time at sea than our hauled-out Harbor seas. Hopefully this seal is just resting for a day or two.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
Hatch a Plan
From the Field, Video SnippetsA white-breasted Nuthatch pair clear out their neighbor’s “squirreled away” possessions, making room for nesting.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 23, 2019
February’s Ruddy Turnstones
From the Field, Video SnippetsI’ll have to check my notes to see if I have documented the Ruddy Turnstone west end, south side, of the Elizabeth Field runway as EARLY as February. I was happy to see four of these returning shore birds rummaging through the thick wrack line that is “thankfully” typical there….
*stewardship is as stewardship does
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 23, 2019