This morning I could tell that the Island is on the verge of awakening. It started with ravens west raising a ruckus. (Still about housing!) Looking past the Gatehouse, subtle hues of pale greens midst marshy thickets. I’m just counting the weeks before our “peeps” sound off.
Young harbor seals playfully porpoising northside made their big splash, while two bald eagles soared across Money Pond, navigating nearly stealth in flight between Barleyfield Cove and Chocomount.
* Latimer Lighthouse sounding
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 22, 2019
The New “Winter Wonderland”*
Field Notes, From the FieldWinter Doldrums Be Gone!*
From the Field, Video SnippetsThis morning I could tell that the Island is on the verge of awakening. It started with ravens west raising a ruckus. (Still about housing!) Looking past the Gatehouse, subtle hues of pale greens midst marshy thickets. I’m just counting the weeks before our “peeps” sound off.
Young harbor seals playfully porpoising northside made their big splash, while two bald eagles soared across Money Pond, navigating nearly stealth in flight between Barleyfield Cove and Chocomount.
* Latimer Lighthouse sounding
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 22, 2019
Moon in Mackerel Sky
Field Notes, From the FieldSilver Eel Cove, Fishers Island
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 18, 2019
Color My World Happy*
Field Notes, From the FieldAs the Raven Flies*
Field Notes, From the FieldIt 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
Good Tidings
From the Field, Video SnippetsFrom 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
Nano-Puff
Field Notes, From the FieldMidst sleet & snow, mourning dove tucks in this late afternoon.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe Feb. 12, 2019
Cup of Cold Water
Field Notes, From the FieldBird 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
Insect Species Declining Could Be Catastrophic
NewsAccording 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:
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'”. . .
Afternoon Break
From the Field, Video SnippetsBarred owl overlooks small pond at Race Rock Garden Co.
South Beach Road, Fishers Island
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Feb. 11, 2019