Restored grassland at Parade Grounds.
It is hard to believe that spring is upon us when the biggest snow storm of the season has just blanketed the east coast. But Red Wing Blackbirds have returned to the island and the White Throated Sparrow could be heard calling “Sam Peabody Sam Peabody” shortly thereafter – a sure sign that the seasonal shift is now upon us.
Tom Sargent
Soon, many of us will be returning to Fishers Island and to the beauty and serenity that the island provides. With summer fast approaching, we at the Fishers Island Conservancy have been getting to work planning exciting initiatives and programs. One of our first yearly projects is our seasonal burn that took place in February in partnership with the Fire Department. Our ongoing work will continue in the Sanctuary with remediation to tackle invasives while over seeding with native grasses and wild flowers. Look for additional bird boxes to provide nesting spots for the Eastern Bluebird as well as abundant Tree Swallows.
Stop by the Demonstration Garden and see how well it fared over the winter and watch it slowly wake with the longer days. Sit on one of the benches and observe the host of wildlife that our native flora attracts. We will have more benches throughout the sanctuary to invite contemplation and a chance to disconnect for a little while. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the Northern Harriers that call the sanctuary home. It’s a truly wonderful sight.
The Conservancy will continue to work with Professors Doug Tallamy and Adam Mitchell from the University of Delaware. We will hold our Spring Migration Bird Count the first weekend in May, which promises to be enlightening and fun. All are welcome to go birding with some of the best. The Weed Team from the university will be returning again this June so please say hello when you see them in the field. We will be joined by the Delaware folks in both July and August for the Conservancy’s Sunset on the Beach (Saturday July 21st) as well as Nature Days (Aug.11th). Please stay tuned for specific program events.
In addition to our work in the Sanctuary, our island naturalist Justine Kibbe, has been continuing to engage our students in the Island Sentinels program. She also provides real time year round observations that enhance our understanding of the island’s place in the natural world. We will be welcoming back those involved in eco friendly mosquito control and will perform occasional water testing to assure our beaches and waterways stay as clean as possible. As always, we will work in concert with homeowners to offer remediation plans to further eradicate the “foreign invaders” that disrupt and overwhelm our native species.
As you think of the coming summer and the precious beauty of the Atlantic coast, please remember the Fishers Island Conservancy in your giving plans. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
For the Conservancy,
Tom Sargent, President
Spring Migration Bird Count May 6
Events, grasslands restoration, NewsFIConservancy’s annual Spring Migration Bird Count will be Sunday May 6.
First, however, come to the Parade Grounds Sat. May 5 at 3 p.m. for a brief tour and a tutorial by the experts on the best way to count birds. The University of Delaware team of Adam Mitchell, Emily Baisden and Will Aleida will lead the bird count and be available to answer all questions about migratory birds.
FIConservancy President Tom Sargent and his wife Allison will host a reception at their house Sat. May 5 at 6:30 p.m. for all those participating in the Spring Migration Bird Count and for anyone else interested in meeting the University of Delaware experts.
The Spring Migration Bird Count begins Sun. May 6 at 8 a.m. Meet at the Community Center and bring your binoculars!
My Friend Flicker
Field Notes, From the FieldNorthern Flicker can be heard drumming away within northern wooded areas along the Recreational bike path here on Fishers Island. This male woodpecker (note black malar near beak) perhaps searching for ants, patiently posed for me here.
– Field Note by Justine Kibbe April 17, 2018
Finally, Spring’s Thaw
From the Field, Video SnippetsIt’s a tranquil commuter’s hour across Fishers Island Sound.
Brant geese feed north side “Where the wild things are.”
These geese may just remain coastal here until their nesting region in the Arctic tundra thaws a bit and is suitable for their homecoming during summer months.
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe April 16, 2018
President’s Message: 2018
NewsRestored grassland at Parade Grounds.
It is hard to believe that spring is upon us when the biggest snow storm of the season has just blanketed the east coast. But Red Wing Blackbirds have returned to the island and the White Throated Sparrow could be heard calling “Sam Peabody Sam Peabody” shortly thereafter – a sure sign that the seasonal shift is now upon us.
Tom Sargent
Soon, many of us will be returning to Fishers Island and to the beauty and serenity that the island provides. With summer fast approaching, we at the Fishers Island Conservancy have been getting to work planning exciting initiatives and programs. One of our first yearly projects is our seasonal burn that took place in February in partnership with the Fire Department. Our ongoing work will continue in the Sanctuary with remediation to tackle invasives while over seeding with native grasses and wild flowers. Look for additional bird boxes to provide nesting spots for the Eastern Bluebird as well as abundant Tree Swallows.
Stop by the Demonstration Garden and see how well it fared over the winter and watch it slowly wake with the longer days. Sit on one of the benches and observe the host of wildlife that our native flora attracts. We will have more benches throughout the sanctuary to invite contemplation and a chance to disconnect for a little while. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the Northern Harriers that call the sanctuary home. It’s a truly wonderful sight.
The Conservancy will continue to work with Professors Doug Tallamy and Adam Mitchell from the University of Delaware. We will hold our Spring Migration Bird Count the first weekend in May, which promises to be enlightening and fun. All are welcome to go birding with some of the best. The Weed Team from the university will be returning again this June so please say hello when you see them in the field. We will be joined by the Delaware folks in both July and August for the Conservancy’s Sunset on the Beach (Saturday July 21st) as well as Nature Days (Aug.11th). Please stay tuned for specific program events.
In addition to our work in the Sanctuary, our island naturalist Justine Kibbe, has been continuing to engage our students in the Island Sentinels program. She also provides real time year round observations that enhance our understanding of the island’s place in the natural world. We will be welcoming back those involved in eco friendly mosquito control and will perform occasional water testing to assure our beaches and waterways stay as clean as possible. As always, we will work in concert with homeowners to offer remediation plans to further eradicate the “foreign invaders” that disrupt and overwhelm our native species.
As you think of the coming summer and the precious beauty of the Atlantic coast, please remember the Fishers Island Conservancy in your giving plans. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
For the Conservancy,
Tom Sargent, President
Winter’s Swan Song
Field Notes, From the FieldMute Swan nesting, Fishers Island
I had been watching her for about 10 days. I walked along the bicycle bridge with a hopeful sense of confidence, that the first day of spring often brings these years; perhaps by now, we just might know each other.
And she had been watching me. Propped upon reeds and rushes her mate has diligently picked and laid within a criss-cross mound ; awaiting her plumping and molding -she is her own warmest down duvet.
He is floating, dabbling, with elegant neck stretched forth gently pulling up plenteous aquatic plants and pond vegetation.
It is the calm before a snow storm-not even a ripple.
For an hour we sit; she on her clutch of eggs, and me on a cold rock.
Perhaps both awaiting the birth-of spring.
– Field Note by Justine Kibbe March 26, 2018
Sweetness of Spring
From the Field, Video SnippetsI bicycled up to the log cabin on Ski’s Landing to catch the Rollin Boil of Sugar Maple sap collected here on Fishers Island.
The first morning of Spring – sure to bring forth a first batch of Syrup soon!
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 21, 2018
Speaking Out About Plastic Debris
From the Field, Stewardship, Video SnippetsWe see it so often here on Fishers Island that I just can’t “bag it!” (hush up about it!)
Why bring our own satchels and shopping totes to market?
“The answer is blowin in the wind”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 18, 2018
Constant Battle Marine Debris
Beach Cleanup, From the Field, Stewardship, Video SnippetsStorms surrounding Fishers Island only deliver marine debris “faster” into our precious coves, harbors and surrounding coastline –we are, though, everyday constantly under “siege”…
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe March 2, 2018
FI Conservancy Controlled Burn 2018
grasslands restoration, NewsBattery Marcy, after the 2018 prescribed burn.
In February, FIConservancy proceeded with its annual prescribed burn. The burn is critical to maintaining grassland restoration. We are grateful for our partnership with the Fishers Island Fire Department for the annual burns and with the Fishers Island Ferry District for the opportunity to establish grassland restoration on grounds owned by Southold and managed by the Ferry District. Click for more information on: Why We Burn.
FIFerry District 2018 Burn Plan