Late August and September finds
September has just begun, but already there have been lots of interesting finds throughout the island’s rich and diverse habitats. There is evidence of fall bird migration on the shores and in the forest. For example, large groups numbering 1000s of Red Knots have been present on the northern island beach; naturalists have sighted many birds that have leg bands. Piping Plovers are also present and we have seen many banded individuals among them as well. Most have flags indicating they have come from the Great Lakes region. Eight species of terns are present — Caspian, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, Common, Gull-billed, Black, and Least terns can all be detected with a scope. American Oystercatchers are present in small flocks, most likely these are the birds that were nesting here this summer. Long-billed Curlew, Reddish Egret, Marbled Godwit, Willet, sandpipers, plovers, and dowitchers can also be seen. There are beginning to be reports of Peregrine Falcon. There is also good warbler activity; Yellow, Hooded, Black and White, Yellow-throated, Prothonotary, and American Redstart have been sighted, along with a possible Canada Warbler one afternoon. Huge flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds are gathering in the marshes, and small groups of Tree Swallows are also present at some of the ponds.
Along with great birds, there are many other types of wildlife activity on the island. In the past week, naturalist Ben has found a newborn kingsnake and watched a baby rattlesnake swim a creek. Fishing opportunities have been abundant; anglers are pleased to be catching redfish, black drum, flounder, trout, sharks, whiting, bluefish, and catfish from the creeks, beach, or skiffs. One young angler even hooked a redfish that had a tag attached to it. We called the hotline number on the tag and are awaiting more info on his fish (he had to throw it back because it was just a bit undersized!). Tarpon have been sighted in Mosquito and Bass Creek, as well as the Hampton River. Baitfish schools are abundant. Sea turtle nesting is winding down for females coming ashore, but nests are still continuing to hatch. The total number of nests is 111 for the season. Of those, 85 have hatched already.
As always, mammals are active and abundant. Marsh rabbits, fallow deer, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, and gray squirrels are all out and about, many including youngsters. Insect life abounds with grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas, dragonflies, and butterflies (including swallowtails, sulphers, whites, and the lovely gulf fritillary) present by sight or sound. Come for a visit and see what you can find…

















