Or so it should be. Stewardship on Fishers Island should be a constant – Marine Debris certainly is.
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe April 6, 2017.
Spring Peeper Frogs serenade Islanders along Fort Stretch – Parade Grounds, Fishers Island.
– Field Note by Justine Kibbe March 03, 2017.
It’s often during the dead of winter here on Fishers Island when it appears everyone wants to know everyone’s every move; just exactly all the “he saids” and “she saids” and of course the who saw “so and so” with whom. Sometimes I think just the opposite -that surviving the harsh and desolate comes with minding our own business like nobody’s business; to lighten up and see it’s truly in our own NATURE-the real things to talk about and perhaps put out there:
My S.O. and I have been in a discreet relationship for nearly five years. In August 2012 River Otter biologist Mike Bottini visiting from Long Island introduced the two of us. Admittedly in the beginning, I did enjoy the thrill of the chase; a bit exciting as we both have a reputation for being elusive. Islanders whispered that we were on- again, off- again, that I ran hot and cold. That’s all a bunch of “scat”! Especially up by Oyster Pond and Middle Farms.
I took a leap of faith with tips from local residents, thinking living west on the other side of the tracks really didn’t matter and apparently it doesn’t. The two of us have been sighted enjoying each other’s company at Duck Pond before the morning ferry.
Who knows maybe there is something to the whole idea- Ignore the Otter, Get the Otter: The Art of No Contact…at least another book.
Signage: Williams Timber Corp.
– Field Note by Justine Kibbe February 28, 2017.
You are the fog horn of my heart. You wait in silence, then respond, thru thick and thin I know you. You are there.
As thought gives birth to grand ideas – you give a wider berth.
When I think I know exactly where I am headed with all this precious cargo, you remind me to take it slow – especially amidst the rip tides.
Yes, I am always listening. You have reminded me “again and again” just how to take direction.
Yet, you have trusted me at the helm.
With tips from Community members, Island Naturalist finally meets River Otter in our unsuspected Duck Pond.
We meet again this very early morn at Duck Pond.
Observations note: Otter prefers lunchtime across the road.
Hope to have signs painted and placed this week- “Significant”
Otter Crossing!
– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe February 22, 2017
Young Gray Seal pup discovered Jan 22, 2017 on Southside Fishers Island parallel to Elizabeth Field airport.
– Field Note by Justine Kibbe January 14, 2017.
I agree it’s not an image that would have made the cover of Audubon and there is not even enough flashing of chimney for Sweeping Magazine. But there it perched; this bright blue harbinger waiting to crown this Happy New Year.
Fishers Island has not seen the Eastern Bluebird in quite some time and for me these past six years- it is a first. Oh, there are though many vacant bluebird boxes standing within dense grass fields alongside empty estates waiting and waiting for a sign of its return at long last.
I was winding and rounding my way towards West Harbor across from the Softball field when four vibrant visitors flitted across the hood of the old beach car and darted upward.
Startled by brilliance of blue and of course smiling, I was “invited” to capture this one moment; these Bluebirds of happiness accomplishing their mission with such finesse. And while we humans are at it –giving wildlife our own attributes-this happy “subject” even appears stalwart.
The Island’s got a very different even unusual feel these days- and not just of winter. The Big Club up east has been razed; torn down, newly designed to be rebuilt and raised up again. Out with the old, in with the new this 2017.
With all the construction activities, the gate house which for decades has delineated Town of Southold from Private-remains manned which is also a first for winter. To me, still monitoring by bicycle in January, there is no feel of east meets west- ask any Bluebird!
I continue to record remarks on this change of climate, these moments of renewal and we Islanders resolve that happiness doesn’t come and go-but remains a constant for all.
I sighted this juvenile Harrier on January 5th across from the Driving Range, middle Fishers Island.
Students out in the field observe the rhythm of nature on Fishers Island.
– Justine Kibbe with FI School Teacher Jen Burns