Justine Kibbe, Island Naturalist

For the past seven years, Justine Kibbe has lived on Fishers Island, most of that time as FIConservancy’s naturalist. We say a fond farewell to Justine this October as she […]

According to research published online in September by the journal Science, the breeding population of birds in the U.S. and Canada has dropped nearly 30% since 1970.

Although the 2019 Fall Migratory Bird Count began under an overcast sky, thick with clouds and fog, birders observed a total of 45 species for this year’s survey, which fell within the range of average for past counts in the fall. The number of individuals observed, however, was far below average: Most species (39 of 45) encountered were represented by only one or two birds.

This female yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) was sauntering across the Recreational Path east of the driving range in mid-September.

Crickets here are still high-pitched and butterflies are still high flying. Swirling within clusters of busy dragonflies, and darting past reigning Monarchs, is the Orange Sulphur. While this insect varies in color, it appears nearly neon against tawny grasses or nearly invisible within honeysuckle and clover.

These quiet days of September are perfect for learning more about butterflies. Find a bench warmed by the sun within native meadows across from Silver Eel Cove, and you’re bound to see just how “social” these brilliantly colored insects are, flitting from one flower to the next. This painted lady butterfly is one of the most ubiquitous butterflies in the world.

For many diverse species of shorebirds, Fishers Island has become the best “next stop” for fall migration, with tepid tidal pools, thick salted wrack lines and sand dunes buffered with tall beach grass. Birds returning to this ideal habitat feed, rest and recover morning, noon and night.

Autumn Bird Survey 2017

Mark your calendars for the 2019 Fall Migration Bird Count Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at the Island Community Center. Bring binoculars.