Quick 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
I 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
Meanwhile, 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
Looks to be a younger Gray seal, or possibly Harp seal, with dappled pelage.
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 27, 2019
This 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
A 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
I’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
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
Silver Eel Cove, Fishers Island
From the Field, Field Note, Justine Kibbe, Feb. 18, 2019