2023 Reported Bird Sightings on Fishers Island
There were 103 different species reported by observers in January and February. Of those, five were new and added to our overall list of historic sightings. That list now contains 257 species.
H.L. Ferguson Museum 2023: The Year in Review
Dear Fishers Islanders: I am once again incredibly appreciative of the community’s support for the Museum and its work. Together, we have had a very productive year. Our Land Trust achieved many milestones, our storage areas were upgraded, and our popular exhibits and programming attracted audiences of all ages. Thanks to contributions from twelve
Middle Farms osprey have migrated
The last confirmed sighting of osprey from the Museum webcam was September 13, 2023. The osprey chick getting ready to leave the nest with a fish in its claw on September 10, 2023. The daily fish deliveries grew fewer at Middle Farms nest during the second week of September,
Museum Adds Handicap-Accessiblity to Land Trust Nature Trails
A Handicap-Accessible path leads to a platform with a bench that overlooks Middle Farms Pond By Faith Coolidge Can you imagine wanting to enjoy the beauty of Middle Farms Pond but being unable to do so because of a mobility issue? A wonderful addition to the H.L Ferguson Museum’s
Osprey Chick still relying on parents for fish in September
From late August through the first week of September, the osprey chick continued calls for fish at Middle Farms nest. During a couple visits to the nest over these two weeks, the osprey chick appeared to be wet but it is unknown if it succeeded in catching any fish on its own.
The Ken Edwards Wildlife Conservation Fund
Fund created to recognize the work of former H.L. Ferguson Museum Board member and island conservationist Ken Edwards By Faith Coolidge Nearly every day, all year round, islander Ken Edwards can be found driving around the island in his pickup truck checking out different vantage points to observe bird life. For Ken, a day is
Osprey Chick Defends Nest in August
In August, the osprey chick aggressively defended the nest at Middle Farms and continued to hone vital skills. By mid August, the osprey spent less time on the nest and during feeding times usually only stayed briefly. They could more often be heard nearby and the chick returned to the camera nightly
Osprey Chick First Flight July 29th
On July 29th, approximately 58 days after hatching from the egg, the osprey chick fully fledged and took its first flight away from the nest at Middle Farms. In the days leading up to its first flight, the fledgling continued to develop stronger skills for flying, along with skills for eating and
Fishers Island Biodiversity 2023 Report
Fishers Island Biodiversity: Rare Species and Natural Communities of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum Land Trust New York Natural Heritage Program July 2023 The Henry L. Ferguson Museum contracted with the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) in early 2020 to conduct a two-year inventory of rare plants and animals
Osprey Chick Practices Feeding and Flying
In the ten days since the two younger osprey chicks passed, the mother fiercely defended her remaining chick as it continued to develop and practice feeding and flying skills. Though it may have appeared that the the chick was alone on Middle Farms nest a good portion of the day and night,
