Long Island Sound Study (LISS) noted in 2009 that waters around Fishers Island sustained over 300 acres (346 to be exact) of Eelgrass.
This marine plant is all important in providing critical habitat for diverse fish species as well as nutrients for migrating water fowl, and has become the focus in conservation and restoration studies.
I have noted the influx of Eelgrass washing ashore this autumn and winter in East Harbor.
Early January
Earth is closest to the Sun.
This afternoon it looked as though the Sun dipped into Fishers Island Sound.
Last year I kept a close eye on the lone swan residing near the Big Club. Month after month I rode my bike past the pond expecting to see double.
It is said that swans do mate for life and I admit I was hopeful I would some day see a partner for this bird. I kept waiting and the swan kept wading. Then in October just before Hurricane Sandy, another Mute swan flew in.
I spotted the couple this afternoon. Maybe this year a stork will arrive with cygnets (baby swans) …..
New Year’s Eve Ball
From the bow of the Fishers Island ferry I can see the moon rising.
Reminiscent of Time’s Square.
Winter arrived last night with tidal surges pulled and pushed by a nearly full moon.
This morning’s beach scapes haven’t looked so clean swept since Hurricane Sandy.
Quite a bit of on again, off again movement-even the 7:45 ferry didn’t arrive till after noontime.
At Dock beach high tide attempted to right a wrong turn.
At South Beach low tide attempted to look lovely-and did.
And Heaven and Nature sing…
This week the thought of gifting the Island came to me-literally.
Fort Wright generously gifted History from its Quarter Master Dept.
Race Point presented me with Gratitude reminding me never to look a gift horse in the mouth.
The waves off South Beach laughingly sprayed me with their Humor and left coal for my stocking.
And the priceless gift of Peace and Comfort somehow washed ashore during Hurricane Sandy.
And it has been.
Permitting full sunshine despite shorter passage of daylight
Permitting calm seas for safer passage of marine vessels
This morning though weather permits whipping rains and wuthering winds : E 25 G37mph
Last week on Chocomount I took a photo of one of my favorite childhood picnic spots. The big rock that stands as a sentinel looking out over the old Thelma Pheobe ship wreck , the big rock that has graciously hosted decades of BBQ’s , that same rock that many of us Islanders have built our memories around and upon.
Since I monitor the beaches weekly, it might be interesting to take a few snap shots these months-observe how this particular site is recovering after Hurricane Sandy and also document tidal and seasonal change of the beachscape visually.
Today I will set my focus on “Picnic Rock”.
It’s tough to imagine next July and August-I cant quite picture (yet) towels and beach chairs lined up in the warm sands but time will tell and we shall see.
I like Lichens-simply for the color which I liken to my favorite old well worn, tough to find sea glass.
The delicate formation of the Lichen appears when a fungus partners with a green algae and a growing relationship develops.
Tough enough to thrive in an extreme environment such as the north side of a tree on a wind swept island, the Lichen also has a fragility that helps scientists to assess the effects of air pollution.
I have noted healthy looking Lichens on land and clean Knotted Wrack at sea at Armstrong’s “Hooverness” this December.
P.S. The Wile E. Coyote fooled me along with any Canada goose thinking to land for a rest!