The Common Buckeye Butterfly is another beautiful pollinator, in addition to the Monarch Butterfly, drawn to goldenrod in late summer.
As evening light overshadows and cricket’s echo dims–
See beams of setting sunshine pass though butterfly wings.
And feel breeze–fly above and beyond wispy meadow grasses.
*Parade Grounds, Fishers Island
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 4, 2019
Thank you to our caring and watchful community! With the help of your stewardship, several species of shorebirds are once again thriving on Fishers Island.
There are several quiet coves on the western end of Fishers Island where Eider Ducks feel quite at home and appear to be thriving this July.
I often think of our late Island Naturalist Edwin Horning’s sightings and field observations. Between 1970-75, he witnessed only eight ducks at Race Point, and only during winter months. But now I see how this diving sea duck, once thought of as a “rare” visitor from the northern tundra, has truly acclimated to climate and available healthy habitat.
This summer, you’ll see Eider Duck families nestled below the cliffs near the Naval radar station south side, or foraging just outside Silver Eel Cove’s ferry slip (Little Stony) and preening in the sultry air on beaches of Sanctuary of Sands.
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, July 26, 2019
It has been a banner year for Fishers Island’s returning shorebirds!
Osprey inhabiting nests within Silver Eel Cove and both transfer stations frequent the southwestern tip of Fishers Island, especially the sandy shoals along the airfield.
Here, an osprey, also known as a “sea hawk”, hovers steadily while eyeing fish below, before diving feet first.
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, July 22, 2019
Among the occasional jogger and dog walker, fisherman and ferry, you’re likely to spy a local resident Belted Kingfisher staking its claim.
Darting between pilings with its rattling “chatter”, (similar to the Hairy Woodpecker) foraging for tiny bunker fish, it’s an elusive neighbor perched upon its lookout.
*6:15 am Silver Eel Cove, Fishers Island
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, July 22, 2019
Appearing otherworldly through a camera lens, dragonflies whizz and hover within tall grasses these sultry July mornings.
These predators play a key role in Parade Ground habitat, feeding on a variety of prey including mosquitoes and biting flies.
From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, July 21, 2019