Heading out into The Field, Fishers Island.

Always a “story” to follow:
Deer. Raccoon. Coyote. Pheasant.

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 30, 2018

spiders

After morning’s “Spin Class”…

This spider is a common orb-weaver that often appears in September. They spin large elaborate wheel- (or orb-) shaped webs daily to capture their prey and often break down the web and recreate the same design after a successful catch. The spiders eat a significant portion of the web to regain the nutrients needed to spin a new web for the next day.

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 31, 2018

thistle bee

Tall thistle, a native wildflower, is a big favorite among pollinators.

Here, within historic Parade Grounds, Fishers Island, bees and butterflies busily tend to their habitat. Want to help attract Monarch butterflies? Thistle do it!

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Sept. 2, 2018

Wildlife biologist Mike Bottini says that, since 2008, the river otter’s range has doubled in size on Long Island. “I expect to see them on the South Shore [of Fishers Island] within the next couple of years,” he said.

From Mar. 21-23, 2013, Bottini surveyed 57 sites on Fishers Island by foot and kayak. Otter sign was noted at 24 sites, with scent stations (scat) found at 23 sites and otter tracks at one site. Two scent stations also had a den nearby. His survey was funded by a grant from FIConservancy.

These photos from Southold show typical river otter couches excavated amongst cattail reeds, usually in marshy areas. Please remark if you happen upon one this Autumn here on Fishers Island!

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 29, 2018.

plover

This semipalmated plover forages for marine worms within low tide’s mudflats, Fishers Island.

Named for the partial webbing found between its toes, this shorebird species “appears” to be increasing in numbers both on South beach and Big Club beach.

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, August 24, 2018

Bird baths prove to be a wonderful way to keep our feet wet identifying resident and migrating birds on Fishers Island.

Here, a male American redstart stops by for a splash between August showers.

From the Field, Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 18, 2018

robin

robin

…but without “competition” for Mom’s attentive feeding schedule.

Nestlings, Fort Wright,Fishers Island.

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 16, 2018

warbler


Blue-winged warbler takes a refreshing dip to cool off during these hot and hazy days here along Fort Stretch, Fishers Island. (Curious chickadee looks on from the edge.)

From the Field, Field Note by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 17, 2018

Seagrass

This August, Island Sentinels assist me in monitoring Hay Harbor.
Here, Marc Rosenberg documents scarring within seagrass beds.

This stewardship helps to further support & establish a Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition along with Henry L. Ferguson Museum and The Nature Conservancy, Long Island.

Way to go Sentinels!”

 

Video Snippet, From the Field, Justine Kibbe, Aug. 10, 2018

owl

owlDuring our Island’s heat wave:

Young Barred Owl posing as “Harbor Master”
oversees activities along Silver Eel Cove.

Field Note, From the Field by Justine Kibbe, Aug. 8, 2018