Tent Caterpillars

Warmth of May days on Fishers Island calls birds of a feather to enjoy “Cater” pillars under the Tent! I stopped to spy these squirming caterpillars blossoming as fast as the buds that surround them. Baltimore Orioles, Blue Jays, Chickadees and the Nuthatch are just a few birds that look forward to this “menu”.

So keep your eyes peeled!

Downy Drummer woodpecker by Justine Kibbe

This woodpecker snippet appears “wobbly” I know. But I wanted to share with folks just how filled with bird chatter the mornings on Fishers Island can be!

Up east on the bike path I quickly hopped off to catch this Downy drumming fiercely. These birds audibly mark their nesting territory during breeding season.

On such a quiet Sunday morning I could hear its rival pecking away down the road within woods by Chocomount.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 15, 2018

Oyster Catcher - Preen by Justine Kibbe

While riding by Barley Field cove (just before the Big Club) I sighted this Oyster Catcher. Very happy to remark that these years on Fishers Island there are indeed more of these beautiful wading shorebirds documented especially during breeding pair season!
Considered a threatened species with critical shore habitat-Oyster Catchers possess site fidelity-returning to the same locale annually. PLEASE consider even one surviving chick within nesting season a miracle.

*PLEASE be mindful on coastal and beach treks, step lightly and leash dogs during these spring months.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 12, 2018

Young Gray Seal ashore on Chocomount

This seal pup has been sighted several times along Chocomount beach. While it has been documented for The Mystic Aquarium and the Stranding Network, it appears to be “resting”.

Please use wisdom and keep ALL human activity at a SAFE distance.

Please be aware and leash all dogs!

PS. This pup showed me its sharp teeth with a “snarl”. . .

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 9, 2018

Scarlet Tanager

I found myself bicycling up east again Thursday afternoon. Lo and behold this individual bird was still dancing about the branches above Oyster Pond. I quickly hopped off to take this closer video snippet of what looks to be a “variant” adult breeding male (occasional individuals are orange) hiding within the ground cover.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 3, 2018

It’s funny growing up on Fishers Island; often times we forget to take notice and appreciation of the unique names of the very beaches that are so much a part of our daily lives. Here she is – the Queen. And she’s got the royal “wave” down…but more importantly she rules over healthy Sea grass meadows. Just about 400 healthy acres of eelgrass are left that surround us Islanders within Long Island Sound. So don’t forget Please Preserve & Protect, because we rule…

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe May 2, 2018

Proud Parents Mute Swans

I caught up with the pair of Mute swan (March Field Note jottings) while up east along the bike path bridge nearing the Big Club. It was such a warm spring afternoon with buds and blossoms bursting. I imagined this pair was bursting as well-with pride for their brood.

– A Snippet from The Field by Justine Kibbe

Barred owl 4-27-18 J Kibbe

Bike Path entrance, Fishers Island. Over the last years this small pond has become increasingly familiar habitat to a host of “residents.” A foraging spot for Great egret and muskrat, a look out spot for alert Osprey, a chiming in spot for Bull frogs, and here; a spot in the morning sun for a young Barred owl.

– A video snippet from the field taken by Justine Kibbe April 27, 2018.

Morning Has Broken by Justine Kibbe

Parade Grounds, Fishers Island just before sunrise-birds chiming in on a frosty, misty morning here earlier this April week.

– A video snippet from the field taken by Justine Kibbe April 26, 2018

As you trek within the Parade Grounds on Fishers Island, in the evening hours of spring, just before sunset; most likely you’ll spy a Harrier or two. Known to soar low over these grassy fields and the South beach dunes, this hawk frequently veers its course to include the marshy pond area (“Marsh hawk”); typically hunting for small birds and mice. Adult male Harriers are more grayish in color so I am thinking this is a female that visited with me- swooping in and landing on the telephone pole near the Bike Shop.

These majestic raptors are ground nesters-PLEASE keep all dogs on leash, helping to steward this sensitive habitat.

– Video Snippet by Justine Kibbe April 25, 2018