I spent a couple hours sitting on a grassy edge off Big Stony, thinking I might catch and share a snippet of sunken fishing vessel salvage. But I was happier, I think, when this Killdeer landed close by, trusting enough to share its lunch with me…

* Nice to see 3 Killdeer over Big Stony this afternoon.

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 19, 2019

Spring Peepers are announcing their return, sounding across rustling grasses this evening, while Red-winged Blackbird sways in gentle breeze alongside “Ibis pond”.

Spring’s wonder—all within 175 acres of preserved habitat maintained by the Fishers Island Conservancy.
Kindly leash all dogs please…

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 20, 2019

This low tide, for feasting juvenile and adult Herring and Great Black-backed gulls, south side Fishers Island.

Blue sky day with Gardiners Island seeming a stone’s throw away…
Sandworm spawn.

*Sanctuary of Sands

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 18, 2019

It was business as usual for gulls within Hay Harbor today.

Both Herring and Great Black-backed gulls swoop and dive after sandworms that spawn each Spring within harbors around Fishers Island.

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe, Mar. 15, 2019

Pheasant stops in for breakfast, while crow and ferry announce what looks like a beautiful day in March.

Fort Wright, Fishers Island.

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 11, 2019

That’s what I was thinking this late morning walking past South Dumpling & Flat Hammock north side.

According to our Seagrass mapping, there is an Eelgrass “pasture” that wraps around Flat Hammock with growth towards the Dumplings.

I like to envision surrounding underwater habitat as “mini” marine sanctuaries that can and should be monitored, protected and preserved for our Island’s future.

The chilly temps continue here today, but so do bald eagle sightings, making early March a bit more “sunny” and bearable….

From the Field, Video Snippet, Justine Kibbe Mar. 7, 2019

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

Red-breasted Merganser

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

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