A rare sighting on Fishers Island: the veery, a small North American thrush. FIConservancy naturalist Justine Kibbe caught this image of the veery, May 3, when it hopped toward her near Silver Eel Pond.

The 2019 Spring Migration Bird Count will be Sun. May 19 at 8 a.m. Meet at the Community Center. First, however, come to the Parade Grounds Sat. May 18 at 3 p.m. for a brief tour and a tutorial by the experts on the best way to count birds.

The Fishers Island Fire Department (FIFD) conducted a successful controlled burn on selected sections of the Parade Grounds and Elizabeth Airport March 26. FIConservancy relies on FIFD volunteers to coordinate their ongoing training with annual prescribed burns necessary to maintain a healthy natural habitat. (Jane T. Ahrens reporting and photo)

The Fishers Island Conservancy in February awarded Fishers Island School senior Nicolas Hall, “The Edwin Horning Research Grant for Environmental Conservation” to study the effect of acidifying sea water on the soft shells of oysters.

Silk nests of the eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americana) began showing up on South Beach Road in late April. Not to worry! Contrary to popular belief, these nests will not kill trees, plus they provide food for bluejays, orioles, chickadees and nuthatches.

FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe walks and bikes Fishers Island from end to end. Her pictures, captured with patience and thoughtful attention, reveal the beauty of this Island.

Three pairs of American oystercatchers have returned to Fishers Island. FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe observed the first pair at about 2 p.m. March 29 on Stony Beach in Hay Harbor. She reported the second pair on Sanctuary of Sands, along the Elizabeth Field Runway April 22 and the third pair on Stony Beach April 23.

Multiple people reported late afternoon beaver sightings on the West End in April. The first was April 18 near the airport, and the second was April 19 at the Gatehouse. This is a good thing! Beavers are critical to the healthy ecology of streams and wetlands.