With yesterday’s raising and removal of sunken fishing vessel “All for Joy”, and the discovery of now TWO Piping Plovers returning to safe sands parallel and south of Elizabeth Field Airport, my friend (feeling refreshed) reminds me there is always something good to “crow about”!
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 31, 2019
I find joy jotting and remembering the arrival and departure dates of the very few individual ravens and shorebirds: black-crowned night herons under the ferry dock, green herons sneaking within the old stone “Tennis Racquet”, American oystercatchers on Big Stony.
These years, there is such a need on-Island to provide safe sanctuary and healthy habitat for dwindling wildlife. I tell the kids that the animals themselves begin to recognize an trust those that care about their Natural world—that “they too, expect to see you”.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 30, 2019
Still out in the field at Big Stony while everyone awaits a report of “good news”, anticipating the raising of sunken fishing vessel “All for Joy”.
Meanwhile, my joyous moment was to document at approximately 2 p.m. today, March 29—“on the dot”—the arrival AND landing of returning American oystercatcher pair! Time will tell if the two also include Sanctuary of Sands territory. As far as I know, there are 5 individual birds West End, Fishers Island.
*Please continue to help support and sustain critical habitat.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 29, 2019
I returned this afternoon to Sanctuary of Sands to catch a snippet of this area’s first returning Piping Plover. Hopefully finding a mate, watching over chicks, and summering peacefully here.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 28, 2019
Last evening’s annual “healthy burn” invites lush native grasses to return and flourish within 175 acres of maintained and preserved meadowland. Very soon, Parade Grounds will be welcoming insects and Monarch butterflies, migrating songbirds, as well as this foraging Killdeer.
*stewardship is as stewardship does
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 28, 2019
First Peep to “Pipe Up!”
I’ve just observed the first Piping Plover to return to Sanctuary of Sands, Fishers Island. With coastal development, habitat for these shorebirds has become critical. Now listed as a “threatened species”, the delicate Piping Plover has returned to the sandy shoals parallel to our airport runway for several years now.
Last year, the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation and I counted 3 adults and a surviving clutch of 4. PLEASE welcome again these “peeps” and kindly leash all dogs…
*archived photos
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 28, 2019
Don’t “dabble” and evidently never dawdle. Buffleheads, tiny and compact, dive and glide speedily while feeding off South beach.
Adult males in view are sporting breeding plumage (white back of head). Very agile offshore, these smallest of ducks will nest in tree cavities.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 26, 2019
…no more!
For several years, I’ve had a sneaking suspicion that our Raven pair feel at home in and around the old naval station, south and cliffside on Fishers Island.
Mostly I’ve heard their distinct varied calls echo roadside thru the tall pines, but today while walking Hay Harbor Golf course, I was happy to catch a glimpse of this rascal pair.
*Male perched above
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 26, 2019
Exquisitely so!
Overlooking Fishers Island Sound from Hay Harbor & Big Stony. Wanted to remind everyone just how grateful we Islanders are for the very few acres (fewer than 400) of healthy Eelgrass meadows that surround us, helping to create precious underwater habitat.
Thinking USCG will return with updated plan to remove vessel.
PS. Next FI Seagrass Management Meeting, April 10.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 20, 2019
I spent a couple hours sitting on a grassy edge off Big Stony, thinking I might catch and share a snippet of sunken fishing vessel salvage. But I was happier, I think, when this Killdeer landed close by, trusting enough to share its lunch with me…
* Nice to see 3 Killdeer over Big Stony this afternoon.
From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 19, 2019