Nature Notes

A compendium of sightings of interesting or unusual wildlife on Fishers Island, edited by Carey Matthiessen. Please send in your reports to the Museum by email, mail or fax for inclusion in this column. (See Contact section)

Particularly after an abominable winter, it is always a pleasure to note the arrival of the ospreys. Penni Sharp reported that they were back by March 21st. Also reported by Penni were the usual mid-spring arrivals from the south. These included the rufous-sided towhee, catbird, and several warblers, i.e. common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, black and white warbler, redstart and (seen by Carey Matthiessen) palm warbler.

Deer have been reported on two occasions. One was spotted near Hedge Street by Karen Lamb, another in the Fort area by Stephanie Hall.

A possible beaver sighting was reported by Janio Spinola, near the Duck Pond. And Harris Parsons recently counted about 60 seals hauled out on the Pine Island rocks.

On 11 May, I had the privilege of accompanying Bob Clem, a noted ornithologist and painter, on a short bird walk through the Museum sanctuary. Within about 15 minutes, Bob identified six warblers (black and white, yellow, common yellowthroat, parula, magnolia and black-throated blue) as well as the usual spring assortment of catbirds, towhees, and vireos. -- Carey Matthiessen