By Mike Busch

Late May into early June is one of the nicest times of the year on the Eastern Great South Bay and Carmans River, particularly if you are looking for wildlife.  The bay is still clear of any brown tide, and there is plenty of bunker and baitfish around for the Osprey and Bald Eagles to fight over.

There are also several large rookeries where Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons, Little Blue Herons, American Oystercatchers, Glossy Ibis and even Tri-Colored Herons all nest together.  Many nests are either full of eggs or freshly hatched chicks.  A few of these birds are not common on Long Island (Little Blue Heron and Tri-colored) but have found a great spot to establish nests.  Below are some of the birds I have run into  over the past couple of weeks.

Snowy Egret Chick

Forster’s Tern

Bald Eagle

Eastern Water Snake

American Oystercatcher

Great and Snowy Egrets sourrounding a Tri Colored Heron

Great Egrets

Glossy Ibis

Glossy Ibis

Great Egret

Continued on Pages 2 and 3