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FI Water Supply & Watershed
Nymphaea odorata (White Water Lily) · .rn i Fishers Island Water Supply and Watershed Study: Ecological Component Final Report March 1993 Gordon C. Tucker New York State Museum and Edwin H. Horning H.L. Ferguson Museum Rana clamitans (Green Frog) I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Fishers Island Water Supply and Watershed Study: Ecological Component Final Report March 1993 Contractual Study for Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services and The Fishers Island Conservancy by GORDON C. TUCKER BIOLOGICAL SURVEY NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM ALBANY, NY 12230 AND EDWIN H. HORN!NO HENRY LEE FERGUSON MUSEUM FISHERS ISLAND, NY 06390 I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I DEDICATION This report is dedicated to four individuals whose previous studies of the natural history of Fishers Island have provided an invaluable foundation for the present study of the Watershed Area: Henry Lee Ferguson H. Lee Ferguson Charles C. Hanmer Harold St. John It is with sincere appreciation of their field studies, which they thoroughly documemed with well prepared and con,erved specimens, that we make this dedication. We trust they would be pleased with this document, and hope that it ,.',ill serve a~ a resource for the understanding, utilization, and preservation of the natural envir,~nmem of Fishers Island. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Summary of Results and Recommendations Fishers Island contains a remarkable array of natural resources, including rare plants, large numbers of breeding birds, and outstanding examples of natural communities, as well as intangible aesthetic attributes of the land itself. The three large freshwater ponds are certainly the gems of Fishers Island. Their importance to the community exceeds their value as a water supply. They have great recreational value as well: fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, and aesthetic values to the photographer, artist, or writer. These are substantial considerations on Fishers Island where the economy is centered on the needs of the seasonal residents. Significant biological elements in the Watershed Area are higlalighted as follows. A total of 26 rare species of plants and animals is documented from the Watershed Area in the body of this report. 1. Rare, endangered, and threatened vascular plants. About 45 species so listed by New York State occur on the island. Within the Watershed Area, there are 15 occurrences of rare plants, including such species as Bushy Rockrose and Featherfoil. There are legal ramifications for disturbing such plants under state law, and their presence must be considered in any plans for land usage or preservation. 2. The breeding bird population is large and diverse. Over 90 species breed on the island. nearly half of these within the Watershed. Ten species that are protected by state law nest within the Watershed, including osprey and fish crow. 3. As is typical of islands, There are relatively few species of terrestrial animals, scarcely half those of adjacent Connecticut or Long Island. Notably absent are such animals as reads, bullfrogs, chipmunks, and woodchucks. However, there is a breeding population of Spotted Salamanders, an amphibian species protected by state law. 4. Freshwater organisms are not very diverse. This, again, is typical of offshore islands. Fish species in the island's freshwater ponds were probably stocked there over the last three centuries. They include largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, golden shiner, and bullhead. These fishes are all widely distributed in the Northeast. Summary, p. 2 5. Natural communities (cover .types) are diverse. Wetlands includes shrub swamps, red maple swamp, and a brackish marsh. Forested areas are chiefly of oak and hickory. There is also a limited area of Maritime Beech Forest, a globally rare community. There arc relatively few wooded areas on the island. Several of these, such as Brickyard Woods. include trees over 150 years old. Such wooded areas protect the water supply itself and the overall environmental stability of the island, since they are resistent to invasion by exotic species. Shrub thickets cover much of the island. They are important as cover for wildlife. Maritime Grassland covers much of Middle Farm Flats. The fire management here is excellent and should be continued. It is done in winter so it does not disturb nesting or migratory birds. The fire-maintained grassland has considerable aesthetic value. It provides an excellent xdsm of the ocean, and in autumn the delicate rusty pink tbliage of beardgrass and the yellow-brown switchgrass are a sight seen by few on the island at that time. An open grassland is a reminder of the grasslands of the pre-colonial Northeast that were maintained by Indian fires. 6. Wildlife habitat. The diverse landscape of the Watershed area, with its miles of edges -- shorelines, forest and thicket edges, roadsides -- is an outstanding habitat for wildlife. although it is small in area. Shrub thickets provide cover and there is adequate ttrinking water throughout the year. 7. Nature preserves. There are four nature preserves in and around the Watershed. l--ou~ additional areas are recommended as preserves to complement these in terms ,.)t communities and organisms present. These include: the Sunken Forest and adjacent wooded northwest side of Barlow Pond, the Beach Pond Barrier Beach, and the Pitch p/ne woods between Treasure Pond and Middle Farms Pond. Island Pond (including Beach Pond) should be considered for inclusion under any proposed watershed regulations and land usage. Any changes in its salinity might affect the hydrology of the Watershed. Protecting the Beach Pond Barrier Beach would protect nesting colonies of two protected birds (Piping Plover and Least Tern), several rare plant species, and the entire pond which has been cited by the New York Natural Heritage Program as one of New York State's two outstanding examples of a pristine brackish pond. The preserves (actual and proposed) of the Watershed Area requtrc litttc management. Keeping trails clear and posting of signs to indicate critical areas such as bird nesting colonies would be acceptable. Preparation of guidebooks for educational pm'poses. might be done by the Ferguson Museum. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i ! I I ACKNOWLEDGMENTS During the course of this study, we have received assistance and encouragement from many indMduals. The staffs of the New York State Museum and the Henry Lee Ferguson Museum have been most helpful w/th information and assistance on many occasions. The following persons have provided identifications of plant specimens: I.A. AI-Shehbaz (Missouri Botanical Garden), G. Argus (Canadian Museum of Nature), S.E. Clemants (Brooklyn Botanic Garden), W.J. Crins (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources), G.E. Crow (University of New Hampshire), C.B. Hellquist (North Adams State College), E.E. Lamont (New York Botanical Garden), and A.A. Reznicek (University of Michigan Herbarium). The following staff members ax the New York State Museum have provided plant identifications: L. Leonardi. N.G. Miller. R.S. Mitchell. and C.J. Sheviak; and the following have provided animal identifications: J. Bopp, R.A. Daniels, T.L. McCabe, and D.W. Steadman. The following persons have assisted us with field work: Elizabeth and Morgan Bigneron, Louise Harrison, Katherine Horning. Eric E. Lamont, Penelope C. Sharp, Daniel M. Tucker, Joshua D. Tucker, and Vicky Martin Tucker. We also thank those persons who are noted individually within the sections on animals for their many contributions of observations of the island's animal life. Finally we wish to thank the contracting agencies, The Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the Fishers Island Conservancy, for the opportunity to participate in this study of Fishers Island's Watershed area. i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I Table of Contents Dedication Summary of Results and Recommendations Acknowledgments Preface I. Physical Description of the Watershed Area II. Plant Life: a. Vegetation and Cover Types in Study area b. Vegetational History c. Rare Plants of Fishers Island III. Animal Life: a: Terrestrial Mammals b. Breeding Birds c. Migrator),, and Wintering Birds d. Amphibians and Reptiles e. Fishes of Inland Waters f. Nearshore Fishes g. Moths 1~. Freshwater Snails IV. Conservation Concerns: a. Viability of Insular Populations t~. Exotic Species c. Value to Wildlife d. Areas of Significance in the Study Area References Sources for Illustrations Appendices 1: Data for Fish Collections 2: Enumeration of Vascular Plants 3: Enumeration of Non-Vascular Plants [iii] [iv] 3 5 6 11 20 22 40 46 58 61 66 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 83 84 127 I I I I i I i I I I I I I I I I ! I Frontispiece. An earh.' map of the southern New England coast from 'The English Pilot" (1698): Ftshers Island ts visible just left of center. I I I I I I ! I ! I I ! I i I I I ! ! In 1985, archeologists from the New York State Museum began a study of native American habitation sites on Fishers Island, under the leadership of Dr. Robert A. Funk, in collaboration with the H.L. Ferguson Museum. Prior to initiation of the contracl for the present study of the watershed, Tucker visited Fishers Island on 14-15 May, 30-31 July. and 17-19 September, 1990. Expenses were covered by the New York State Museum. In collaboration with Edwin H. Homing, we made extensive searches for plants throughout much of the island. About 700 plant specimens were collected and are now aceassioned into the herbarium of the New York State Museum. This provides an excellem background for the present watershed study and allov,~ some perspective nol generally possible in a two-season study like the present one. In 1991, visits were made to the island by Tucker on 13-15 May; 25-27 June; 16-18 July; 16-18 August; 23- 25 September; and 6~8 November. In 1992, visits were made on July 25-27 and September 17-18. All of the stud) area has been visited at least once, and many areas on several occasions. The emphasis of these visits was botanical and ecological observation and sampling. Tucker and Homing conducted seining for freshwater fishes at the east and west ends of Middle Farms Pond, at the northwest shore of Barlow Pond, and west shore of Treasure Pond, and for brackish water fish at NW shore of Beach Pond. (Ten other sites outside the watershed were sampled as part of an overall survey of the fishes of the island.) There was no previous scientific information on this subject. The seining was done in June and Jul), and in September we accompanied Dr. Robert A. Daniels of the New York State Museum in seining 12 sites on the island, including the watershed ponds. Since 1955, Horning has investigated the natural history of Fishers Island, especially vertebrates. In the earl.x 1980s. he and Katherine Homing made extensive field obsep,'ations of birds on Fishers Island lo provide documentation for the Breeding Bird Atlas of New York (Andrle & Carrol, 1988). As curator of the H.L. Ferguson Museum, he has gathered many observations and specimens of animal and plant life of Fishers Island Tucker visited the following herbaria, to search for specimens collected on Fishers Island. Particular attention was paid to rare species that might be present. Connecticut College: 16 February' (two hours) and 13 May 1991 (two hours) University of Connecticut, 17 February (six hours), 16 April 1991 (four hours), and 8 November 1991 (three hoursl; 18 August 1992 (three hours) Yale University, 12 May 1991 (three hours) Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 10 June 1991 (four hours) New York Stale Museum, 1990-present (about 10 hours) Harvard University Herbaria, 11 November 1991 (three hours); 6 November 1992 (three hours) I I I I I ! I I I I I ! I I i I ! I I I. Physical Description of the Watershed Area Fishers Island is part of the extensive recessional glacial moraine system that forms thc hilly north shore of Long Island, Plum Island, the Matunuck Hills of southern Rhode Island, and the Elizabeth Islands and Cape Cod. The terminal moraine forms the south fork of Long Island, Block Island, and Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. The ridges and hollows give thc characteristic topography to much of FIshers Island, rising to a height of 35 m (140 feet) at Chocomount, although the highest point near the watershed, Middle Farm Hill, is about half this high. Most of the watershed area is less than 10 m (30 feet) in elevation, and the ponds and Middle Farm Flats, arc less than 3 m (10 feet) in elevation. The upland soils are sandy loams overlying the unsorted gravel, sand, and rocks of the moraine. Boulders up to 2 m (six feet) in width are common, except at Middle Farm Flats, and are particularly conspicuous around the shores of Middle Farm and Treasure Ponds. The most striking features of the watershed are the six large ponds, four fresh, two braclo, sh. The two largest ponds, Middle Farms and Island, have irregular shorelines, while those of the remaining four ponds are relatively regular and elliptical in outline. It would be difficult to provide an example of a group of six ponds elsewhere in New York State, south of the Adirondack Park Preserve, that are similarly pristine and largely undeveloped. These ponds are certainly the gems of Fishers Island. Barlov, Pond. Used for drinking water for many ),ears, the Water Works plant located on the east shores. In addition there are two residences, one at the NE corner and another at the south. The pond is oligotrophic (i.e., having relatively low productivity, see Fig. 2). Middle Farms Pond. The largest freshwater pond on the island, derives its name from the large farm that in 18th and 19th centuries occupied the middle of the island. Three peninsulas extend into the pond, defining several coves. The largest cove, at the SW corner of the pond, is largely shrub swamp and fen with little open water. The pond is moderately productive (mesotrophic). Treasure Pond. Elliptical pond 300 m long by 150 m wide. Maximum depth about 4 m. Shrub thickets on N, E, and S sides and oak forest on west. SW cove is a shrub swamp covering about 1 ha. The shoreline is marked with boulders and smaller rocks and no area could be called a beach. The bottom drops off quiclfly and there is scarcely an5' emergent vegetation. M3~iophyllum pinnamm (green parrot feather milfoil) forms dense growth along the west end. This body of water is oligotrophic. I Figure 1. lJbcershed Area: letters by ponds refer to names in kO, below. A. Chippy's Pond B. South Cia)' Pit Pond C. North Clay Pit Pond D. Brickyard Pond E. Barlow Pond F. Island Pond (Oyster Pond, Ocean Pond) G. Matthiessen Pond H. Turtle Pond (Perch Pond) 1. North Turtle Pond J. Wellfield Pond IC Beach Pond L. Middle Farms Pond M. Treasure Pond N. Foster Pond I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I ! I I Fosters Pond. Small L-shaped pond N of Treasure Pond, E of Middle Farms Pond. Surface area about 0.5 ha. Densely covered with water willow and scattered buttonbush. Water less than 0.5 m deep. Turtle Pond. Elliptical pond 120 m by 60 m, NE of Island Pond on the west side of Middle Farm Flats. About 2-2.5 m deep, with rocky and peaty shore. Much of the shoreline is bordered with the emergent perennial Decodon verticillaris (water willow). Shallow water of south end supports dense growth ofMyriophyllum humile (water milfoil). On the west side shrub thickets almost exclusively of V'tburnum recognirum, with Amelanchier canadensis (shadbush) and few red maple and black cherry, with a small tupelo grove at center of west side. Herbs along emergent shoreline include Eupatorium perfoliamm (boneset), Aster novi.belgii (New York aster), Gb'ceria obmsa (mannagrass), and Eleocharis IIavescens (spikerush). Wellfield Pond. Roughly circular with diameter of 40 m. Water fluctuates as indicated by rocks exposed along shore. The development of a peat layer means that the bottom is seldom exposed as was the case in 1991, when the bottom was covered with dense growth of annual herbaceous plants including Potygonum hydropiperoides (smartweed), Bidens tripartita (sticktights), Callitriche heterophylla (water-starwort), and Impatiens capensis Oewelweed). The surrounding vegetation is shrub thicket. Island Pond. A large brackish pond, also called Ocean Pond and Oyster Pond, the latter name refering to the use of much of the pond for the culture of oysters by the Matthiessen Family. Salinity varies from about 30- 50~ of ocean water (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989). The pond is roughly circular, but divided into two hasins of nearly equal size and shape by a large peninsula covered by shrubs and woods. The peninsula in turn contains a small freshwater pond. The peninsula is owned by the H. L. Ferguson Museum and managed as the Betty Matthiessen Nature Preserve. Beach Pond. Another brackish pond, much smaller than but nov,, permanently connected to Island Pond by a channel 1 m deep and about 30-60 m wide. Brick'3'ard Pond. A small pond about 1 ha (2.5 acres), reportedly up to 6 m deep. The bottom drops off abruptb and support little if any submersed or emergent plants. Unlike any other pond on the island, the shore is surrounded by a floating peat-sphagnum mat supporting dwarf shrubs, primarily Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepperbush). Brickyard Pond is at the highest elevation (5.5 m, 17.5 ft.) of any water body on the island. Because of the small deep basin, this is probably a meromictic lake, i.e. one in which the bottom water is not oxygenated. 12.5 10,0 Chlorophyll a (ug/I) MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV Figure 2. Annual productivi~.' of certain Watershed ponds in 1991. Middle Farms Pond ix mesorrophic. the others oh'gorrophic. The burst of chlorophyll content in earl}, autumn ix typical of many freshwater ponds and results from increased numbers of blue green algae. Chippv's Pond. On the northwest edge of Brickyard Woods, this medium sized pond is nearly divided into two basins. The pond is generally less than 1 m deep, with scattered shrubs and stunted trees. The cover type largel? shrub swamp, rather than open water. Cia',' Pit Ponds. These are two small, artificial ponds, the results of clay mining for the Island's brickyards in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In both ponds, the bottom drops off quickly and there ~s little emergent or submersed vegetation. I I I I I I I I I I I 36_. 3.2_ 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 YEAR I I I I I I I Figure 3..'~ half cenmo, of gTowth front a mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) front the woods at the northwest shore of Barlow PoncL Peak period~ of growth in the late 1940's and ear~ 1960's probably correspond to increased growth following removal of surrounding trees or branches by the hurricanes of 2944 and 1960. I II. PLANT LIFE a. Vegetation and Cover Types The following section covers the plant communities of the Watershed Study Area. Names for vegetation v/pes are those used in the recent state-wide classification by Reschke (1990). Those marked with (*) are wetlands. Oak Forest and Oak-ltickory Forest Dominant~s: Black oak, red maple, Scarlet oak, hickories, black cherry, white oak Oak and Oak-Hickory forest is the most plentiful and characteristic type of vegetation in this region. Upland forests of southeastern Connecticut were included -~-~-.\~M ~, ~. ' in the Central Hardwoods-Hemlock zone in a ~=e-.~qa.;_a~-~~..j~.~.~ l~~-~' classification of $:w England forests (Westveld 1956), as '"J~-~~ Appalachian oak-hickop,' forest as defined by Reschke (lO90i'alth°ugh less diversein tree' shrub' and herb layers than mainland forests. Abundant trees include Quercus velutina (black oak), Acer rubrum (red maple), Quercus alba (white oak), Carya glabra (pignut hickory) Figure 4. Quercus velutina (Black Oak), the most abundant ~ree in forested portions of Fishers Island; and C. tomentosa (mockernut hickory); any of these ezpanding young leaves and flowers (X 1/4). might be locally dominant. Fagus grandifolia (beech) is dominant locally in three places (west side of Brickyard Pond, south end of Chippy's Pond, and SE shore of Middle Farms Pond). Hickories are absent from several stands of oak forest on Fishers Island. Tupelo, beech, or black locust form small nearly pure stands or groves in several places. The nnderstory is variable as the canopy: Ga3'lussacia baccata (hucklebert3') and Ilex verricillata (wimerberry) are occasionally present. Comus florida (flowering dogwood) frequent in upland forests on the mainland and on Long Island, was known from a single tree according to Hanmer (1940), no longer extant; Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) is known from four plants at Brickyard Woods, while Carpinus caroliniana (musclewood) and Ostrya virginica (hophornbeam) frequent in oak forests on the mainland, are absent. The most plentiful herbs include Trientalis borealis (starflower), often vet3, plentiful, and Maianthemum canadense (wild lily-of-the-valley). The genus Carex is well represented, especially C swanii (Sedge) and C. emmonsii (Sedge). Examples: Brickyard Woods North of Main Road (Boker Doyle Preserve), woods around Bariow Pond, Whitney Estate, Grassy Pond Woods i I I Pitch Pine-Oak Forest Dominants: Pitch pine, black oak, scarlet oak Pitch Pine Forests are widely distributed on Ibc mainland and eastern Long Island, but arc nearly absent from Fishers Island, although some of the species forming them are present on the island. There is a small stand of this vegetation type (1-2 hectare) on flat hilltop t~etween Middle Farms Pond and Trcasure Pond; this is thc only example on the island. Pinus rigida (pitch pine) accounts for no more than half thc trees, the others arc Qacrcas ~'elultna (black oak), Q. coccmc,~ (scarle[ oak), Acer rubmm (red maple). and Jz,,~,cr,,'s t'it~'t~[aaa {red cedar). Vines are few. but Smilax glauca (catbrier is characteristicall.,, present. Herbs include L),sinlt?chia quadrifoha (yellow loosestrife). Trtcntahs borealts (starflower), and MafiTnt/lemum canadense (wild lily-of-the-valley). Example: SE side of Middle Farms Pond Figure 5. Pitch Pine forest near Middle Farms Pond. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Maritime Beech Forest Dominants: beech (Fagus grandifolia) This is a forest community composed almost entirely of beech. Its most conspicuous characteristic is the short stature of many of the trees, owing to salt spray and strong winds from the nearby ocean. The occurrence on Fishers Island is one of only two in the state, and the community is also considered globally rare. It is fortunate that this site is already preserved as part of the Betty Matthiessen Preserve. ~ H Shrub Thickets Figure 6 Location of Maritime Beech Dominants: Prunus serotina (black cherry); Amelanchier forest. canadcnsis (shad), Viburnum recognimm (northern arrowwood), Celasrrus scandens (bittersweet) On Fishers Island, thickets formed of black cherry, bittersweet, and arrowwood cover much formerly open land on the island. Locally, the thickets are formed of Amelanchier canadensi$ (shadberry) or l~burnum recognimm (northern arrov,%'ood), with vines such as Celastrus orbiculata (bittersweet), 14tgs labrusca (fox grape), and Smilax glauca (catbrier). Small trees, generally less than 10 m tall, are interspersed among the shrubs, most often black cherry. Eleagnus angustifolia (autumn olive) has invaded many abandoned pastures and fields, spreading from planted shrubs along i'ighways on the mainland. Rhamnus frangula (alder- buchthorn) is found occasionally in shrub thickets 'throughout the island. In the watershed area there is however, little of this community type. It occurs mostly north of the Main Road, and north of Turtle Pond. Examples: Covers much of the island, especially around West Harbor and East End Marine Scrubland Dominants: Bayberry, poison ivy, black cherry, beach rose Shrub thicket community subject to heavy pruning by salt spray, occurring on windswept bluffs and points. Examplcs: East End Blu[f, Race Point, Wilderness Point, Mount Prospect, Isabella Beach, Beach south of Treasure Pond *Maritime Oak forest Dominants: Black oak, black cherry Understor,_': huckleber~,, bayberry, poison i~', catbrier A dwarf forest, generally 5-7 m in height, subject to heaL~ pruning by salt spray, occurring on windswept bluffs and points. Examples: bluffs at Isabella Beach and south of Treasure Pond *Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp Dominants: Red maple, tupelo, yello',,,' birch Red maple swamps occur over organic soils inundated in winter and spring but often fairly dr).' by late summer. The.~ are dominated by Acer rubrum (red maple) 10-20 m tall forming a closed canopy, and a scattering of other trees: ~5'ssa ~,b'atica (tupelo), Bemla alleganiensi~ (yellow birch). The shrub layer is composed chiefl.~ of Clethra alnifoli,~ (sweet pepperbush), llm' verticillatt~ Figure 7. Acer rubrum (Red Maple), a common tree in the Watershed area [leaves and winged fruits: winter m'ig at left: all X 1/2]. (wimerbern.), Viburnum cassinoides (wild raisin), and l/accinium corymbosum (highbush blueberryl. The herb layer is genc. ralb well developed and often fairly diverse, including Symplocarpus foendus (skunk cabbage). Arisaema rri?hyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit), Aster spp. (asters), Solidago spp. {goldenrods), Equisetum arvense (horsetail}, and hummock~ of Sphagnum affine and other mosses. Examples: Brick2,.,ard Woods Isouth of Main Road)--seems to be a typical example of this community as it occurs in southeastern Ney. York and southern New England. There is a large red maple swamp on the north shore of Middle Farms Pond. There is a small stand of red maple swamp bordering the SE corner of Barlov, Pond. A unique example, the Sunken Forest, NW of Barlow Pond, consists of large old red maples, with few shrubs and abundant ferns. The soil is peaty but firm, but standing water is absent, even in the spring. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I *Shrub Swamp Dominants: Ilex verticillata (winterberry), Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush), Clethra alnifolia (pepperbusb) Shrub swamps have a persistent high water table, but lower than that of a marsh. They are dominated by shrubs and some scattered, stunted trees, especially red maple. Common shrubs include Rhododendron viscosum (swamp azalea), Rosa palustris (swamp rose), Comus amomum (silky dogwood), and Ilex verticillata. There are usually few herbs, hut the herbaceous vines Cuscuta gronovii (parasitic dodder), Mikania scandens (climbing boneset), and Apios mberosa (groundnut) are often conspicuous. Examples: SW corner of Treasure Pond, South cove of Middle Farms Pond, North Turtle Pond, parts of Chippy's Fond Grassland - Mowed Frequently Dominants: Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), Lolium perenne (perenni~'l ryegrass, darnel), Poa annua (Kentucky bluegrass) This anthropogenic community covers about 6-8 acres of Middle Farm Flats. It consists of short perennial grasses that are 0 mowed regularly during the growing season. Trees and shrubs are absent. The diversity of plant species is very low, but the community has conservation as a congregating site for waterfowl and shorebirds during stormy weather. Examples: Golf Courses and Driving Range Maritime Grassland Dominants: grasses, herbaceous plants, sedges, scattered shrubs This area is mowed and burned late each winter to provide visibility for hunting. Scattered low shrubs with ca. 20 % cover. Most of lhese are less than 1 m tall. The common species are ~qburnum recognitum (northern arrowwood), Prunus serotina (black cherry), and Rhus copallina (winged sumac). Grasses, in decreasing order, includeAnthoxanthun! odoratun! (sweel vernal grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Festuca pratensis (rescue), Andropogon gerardii (or virginicus) (bluestem), Panicum meridionale (panic grass), P. lanuginosum, (panic grass), and a few species of sedges including Carex cephalophora, C. swanii, Figure 8. Location of Maritime Grassland at Middle Farm Flats (stippled). and C)perus lupulinus ssp. macilenms. There are scattered herbs includingJuncus greenei (upland rush), which is very plentiful, Rumex acetosella (sheep sorrel), Pl~¥tolacca decandra (pokeweed). Verbascum rhapsus (common mullein), and small stands of Solidago rugosa (rough goldenrod). There are scattered areas of bare sand 1-3 m wide, with few herbs and lacking mosses or lichens. Examples: Old Parade Ground, Fort Meadow, Airport, Middle Farm Flats (north and east of Driving Range) Roadsides. These vary tremendously in aspect and diversi~,. The roadsides are generally mowed about twice during the growing season. The)' are dominated by grasses, especiall), Schizachs~ium scoparium on well-drained soils and Fesruca pratensis on mesic site,. Early in the season, there are numerous winter annuals (e.g. Draba vema. .4rabidopsiJ thahana, and Cerastium semidecandrum) that complete their life cycles before the first mowing in spring. Tv, o-lane roads are ordinarily bordered by a shrubby-grassy strip that is mowed once or twice each year to control encroachment by woody plants. This open strip is bordered by a hedgerow-like thicket of shrubs including lqburnum recognimm, Rosa multiflora, and Eleagnus angustifolia, and vines, chiefly Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Smdar rotundtfolia, l~ti~ labrusca (wild grape), and Celastrus orbiculata IAsiatic biltersweet). Examples: Main Road (East End Road) throughout watershed area *Tidal Marsh Dominants: Spartina patens (salt meadow grassl and herbs and low shrubs The salt mar>hes of southern Connecticut and Long Island have been studied extensively by Niering. Goodwin, and Clark, among others (see references). The upper edge of the marsh is marked by a belt of shrubs, especially Ira frutescens (hightide bush), M.}~ica pensylvanica (bayberry), and l.~burnum recognitum (northern arrow'o, ood), low windswept trees, especially Prunus serotina (black cherry) and Amelanchier canadensis (shadberry), and woody vines, Rhus radicans (poison iv),) and Smilax rotundifolia (bull brier) and tall grasses, especially Panicum virgamm (switchgrass). The high marsh (or upper marsh) lacks shrubs and is dominated by moderately tall grasses and sedges, especially Spanina pec~inata, S. cynosuroides, and Scirpus' robusms (sattmarsh bulrush). The Iow marsh is dominated by Sparrina patens (salt meadow grass) and Juncus gerardii (black-grass), with Salicomia europaea (glasswort) and Suaeda mariiima (sea.blite). Discichlis spicata (spike-grass) is found in both Iow and high marsh. Mud flats, generally exposed only at low tide, have few if any vascular plants. The transition between high and low marsh occurs within about 3-5 cm of mean high water (Niering & Warren 19801. Salt pannes (depressions that trap high tide waters and become hypersalinel are scattered across the upper marsh, and these have a distinctive cover o fAster tenuifolius, Suaeda, and Salicornm. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Restricting the daily influx of seawater into estuaries by dam or levee construction reduces salinity, leading to gradual replacement of salt marsh by brackish or freshwater marshes dominated by Phragmites ausrralis. Examples: East Harbor, West Harbor, Buckner's Salt Marsh There are no tidal marshes in the watershed area, although there is a small area just to the south on the north west shore of Beach Pond. In a strict sense, this area is not a tidal marsh because there is no tidal flow in Beach Pond; however, Beach Pond is brackish and the vegetation is certainly typical of high tidal marsh. Maritime Beach Dominants: beach grass, sea rocket, orache, seabeach sandwort Vegetation is limited to shrub thickets of M)rica pen~.'lvanica (bayber~'), Rhus radicans (poison and the adventive Rosa rugosa (beach rose) and Rosa wichuriana (memorial rose). Also there are stands of Ammophila bre~'iligulata (dune grass), and sandy or gravelly openings with herbaceous species. Examples: Beaches south of Treasure Pond and Beach Pond. Figure 9 Phragmites australis (Common Reed), occurs on the shores of Beach Pond and Island Pond. I Sand Blowout Dominants: Panicum acuminatum (panic grass). Hudsonia tomentosa (poverw-grass), Cypems lupulinus (flatsedge} An open community dominated by herbs and Iow shrubs, with extensive areas of open sand. Examples: Middle Farm Hill at Four Corners. A hill top (just NE of Barlow Pond) cleared for possible development several years ago, fits this type as well. *Freshwater Pond Dominants: Usually many species present The fresh water ponds of Fishers Island lack the distinctive zonation of aquatic vegetation typical of many mainland ponds. Floating lea,,,ed plants occur in water 50-200 cm deep, includes Nuphar advena (yellov. spatterdock) and ),¢'mphaea odorata {white water lily). Emergents. in water less than about 50 cm deep, includes Sparganium americanum (bur-reed), Typha latifolia (common cattail), Dulichium arundinaceum I three- wa~ sedge), Sagittaria latifolia (arrowhead or duck potato), Scirpus pungens [bulrush), Decodon verticillams Iv, ater-willowl, and the shrub Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush). Submersed vascular plants include Elatine minima (mudwort), 3{mophyllum humile (common milfoil), Myriophyllum pinnatum (green parrot feather milfoil). Ccratophyllum demersum (coontail), and Potamogetonperfoliaras (pondweed). There is fairly Iow similarit.', bctv, een the ponds in the aquatic species present. Examples: Barlov, Pond. Middle Farms Pond, Treasure Pond. Turtle Pond *Coastal Plain Pond Shore Dominants: herbaceous species Emergent shorelines with sandy or peaty substrate, often exposed in late summer. They are characterized by herbaceous vegetation, often quite diverse: t)?ical species include Cyperus e~.,throrhizos, Bidens cernua (bur.- marigold). Fimbriso'hs aummnahs, Echinochloa crusgalli (barnyard grass), Mollugo verticillata (carpetweed/. C3?cn~s dentaras, C. srrigosus, and C. diandrus. Because of variations in rainfall, these shorelines are not exposed e,,'er year. Many of the species present persist for several years as buried seeds in the mud, germinating and setting seed abundantly in favorable years. Examples: Barlow Pond, Middle Farms Pond I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I *Brackish Pond (Permanent) Dominants: Ruppia maritima (ditch grass), Uh,a lactuca (sea.lettuce) Shallow brackish water with submersed aquatic plants. Examples: Island Pond, Beach Pond. Island Pond was noted by Reschke (1990) as an excellent example of this communit.~ type. · Brackish Pond Shore Dominants: Sedges, grasses, annual herbs Sandy shore of permanent brackish pond. Diverse herbaceous species are present, including Limosella australis and Cyperus diandrus. On the NW shore of Island Pond, we found 20 herbaceous species in as many meters of shoreline on 25 July 1991. Example: Island Pond and Beach Pond I I I I I I I t i I I I I ! I I I bogs, based on the theory, that abundance of pollen in sediments is reflective of the local or regional abundance of species. The work of Davis (1969) carried out at Rogers Lake (in southeastern Connecticut, about 15 miles west of New London) shows the postglacial development of vegetation in our area. Boreal, tundra-like vegetation dominated the period from 14300-12150 years before present (B.P.I. The pollen rain then was characterized by b. Vegetational History During the Pleistocene glaciation, all vegetation in southern New England and Long Island was obliterated as a continental ice sheet 1-2 km thick covered the region. The terminus of the ice sheet reached Montauk Point and Block Island. All native plants were gradually reentered our area as the land was exposed and climate warmed. Palynology .~ ~ determines the sequence of events from analysis of ~ .~_,,,,~ sediments containing pollen, preserved in lakes and Figure 10. Celtis occidentalis (Hackber~), representedon Fishers Island on~. by several large trees near B~rlow Pond and Brickyard Pond. willows, grasses, sedges and herbs. This was followed by a zone dominated by spruce, with tamarack and fir, from about 11700-9100 B.P, indicative of a boreal forest cover similar to that now found in northern New England and eastern Canada. This was followed b.~ a white pine period from 7900-8100 B.P., during which time red maple and hemlock first appear. Oak and hemlock dominate from about 8000 to perhaps 5000 years B.P., during which time (ca. 6000 B.P.) beech appears. Hemlock declined greatly in abundance about 4800 B.P. in Connecticut and simultaneously throughout the Northeast, perhaps from a fungal pathogen, and gradually recovered to previous levels over the next two millenia (Davis 1983). Oak-hickory forests, the present dominant of our area, appears at 5000 years B.P., and chestnut appears only 2000 years B.P. The most recent sediments of the last 300 or so years contain abundant herbaceous pollen (especially Ambrosia and Run:ex) paralleling the extensive clearing of land and development of agriculture in colonial times. A pollen diagram fi.om Block Island shows a similar sequence of events, except that many tree species on the mainland never reached Block Island. A pollen sequence for Fishers Island has been recently completed by L. $irlon, and is similar to that described for Rogers Lake, but lacks the last 2000 years because recent deposits were eroded by rising sea level. Southern New England and Long Island had been occupied by Native Americans for several thousand >'ears at the time of earliest European settlement in 1639 at New London and 1644 on Fishers Island. The tribes were Pequots, Mohegans, and Narragansetts. Most if not essentially all of the upland was originally forested (Bromley 1935). Fires were deliberately set to keep out underbrush and make clearings for habitation. The frequency and extent of fires in our area is not known, but Russell (1983). based on a review of early colonial literature, concluded that most of these were of limited local effect. Species composition is greatly affected by fire (Brown 1960; Niering 1987). Whether fires were frequent on Fishers Island is unknown. No original forest remains on Fishers Island, all is second growth. A supposed primary forest dominated by v, hite oak in nearby Stonington, Connecticut was studied and shown to have originated in the early 1800s (Raup 1941). A.s the 18th century, progressed, much of the land was cleared for pastures and crops. The peak of agricultural activities was in the first half of the 19th century. It is important to keep in mind that Fishers Island had been occupied by Europeans for about two and half centuries by the time that the earliest botanical collection~ were made in I885. Since that timc. much cropland and pasture have been abandoned and are in var:ous stages of succession to forest. In the last half century, much land has been cleared or modified for residential or other uses. Still. much of the landscape is wooded. The wide establishment of non-native woody species (LonicerajalTomca. Celastrzts orbtculams, and Eleagnus umbellam) has changed the composition of man.`' open coastal areas in the second half of this centuD'. Chestnut blight removed Castanea dentata from the Oak- hicko~' forests of southern Ne'.,., England in the early twentieth century, but it probably had little effect on Fishers lsland: the absence of chestnut stump sprouts suggests chestnut probably never grew here. Dutch elm disease which largeI3' eliminated mature Ulmus american~ from the mainland in the mid-twentieth centur3 similarly probably had little effect on the vegetation of the island, where elm was scarce, according to Hanmer. Hurricanes occasionally wreak havoc on the island. Trees and limbs are downed, but the forested areas graduall) recover (see Fig. 3}. Although all these are major changes in the last 350 years, the vegetation of our area has been changing steadily with immigration of new species over the past 14000 years. ! I I I ! I I I 1 I I I I ! I I c. Rare Plants of Fishers Island The total flora of Fishers Island is about 720 species, including both native and naturalized species. The flora of the island has been investigated intermittently over the last 100 or so years. A catalogue of the flora was published by Charles C. Hanmer, long time summer resident of the island, in 1940. Hanmer donated about half his specimens to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (abbreviated BKL herein) and the remainder to the University of Connecticut (CONN). Also, in 1941, Harold St. John published a short paper on the plants of Fishers Island, based on brief visits in 1920 and 1939. We are fortunate in having these two publications and their associated specimens to provide a historic baseline for possible changes in the plant life and ecology of the island. A complete list of the vascular plants, lichens, and bryoph3nes of the watershed area appears in the Appendix. The rare species are a distinctive feature of the island and of the watershed and each rare species is noted below. The large number of rarities known from Fishers Island (45 species occur on 4.1 square miles) makes the island one of thc most significant concentrations of rare plants in the state. Species in this list marked ("*) are known from the watershed area (or its immediate vicinity) from extant, documented populations. Many of the other rare species may prove to be found in the watershed, based on the presence of suitable habitats. Table 2 provides a summary of the rare plant species definitely known from the Watershed Area. .~1 ,,5 or lewCl Cx'laflt occarrcnces in Ihe slate); S2 {6-"i: occurrence, s); $3 {more lhan 20 occurrences); .%11 i. knov,'n from hi,t~)rical records only in New York State, as of August, 1~92; some of thcac .npecie$ will be upgraded to S! status because of d~sco,,ep,.- of population.~ on FL~hers Lsland during lhe course of ibis, stud,. ,. Endangered. gcnetali.~ corre.~ponding to 'SI' ranking above Threatened. gcnerafly correspondint.~ tr~ 'S2' Rare. including aome '$2' and '$3' species, depending on ~.)pulation ai?~ slatewide Unprutecled. includes 'SH' and some '52' and 'S3' species with larD: population sizes. Table I. New York Natural Heritage Program Ranks (above) and New York State Legal Status (under Environmental Conservation Law section 9.1503) (below). I I I ! I i ! t I I I I i I I I I Table 2. Endangered, threatened, and rare plants in the Watershed Area. Scientific Name Common Name Rank* Cover Type Site Name ** Potamogeton pulcher Spotted S1 E Freshwater Matthiessen 7 Pondweed Pond Pond Carex emmonsii Emmons Sedge S1 E Oak Forest aar~o~ eo~d. 4 NW shore " Oak Forest Barlow Pond. 5 SW shore Cypems odoratus Rusty Flatsedge S2 R Brackish Island Pond, 11 shore SE shore Wolffia brasiliensis Watermeal S2 R Freshwater Turtle Pond 8 Pond Spiranthes vemalis Ladies-tresses S1 V Maritime Middle 9 (an orchid) Grassland Farm Flats Rumex mariti~nus Golden Dock S1 E Brackish Island Pond, 10 var. fuegbms shore SE side Chenopodium Red Pigweed S1 E Brackish Beach 13 mbntm shore Pond, S side Chenopodium Pigweed S1 E Roadside / Brickyard 2 stricture oak woods Pond Potentilla anserina Silverweed S2 R Brackish Beach Pond. 11 N aide shore Helianthemum Bushy Rockrose S2 Th Pitch pine ~liddte ~:.rms 14 Pond, SE side dumosum woods Mydophylhon Green Parrot S1 E Freshwater Treasure 15 pinnatum Feather Milfoil Pond Pond i Scientific Name Common Name Rank* Cover Type Site Name ** Angelica lucida Seaside S1 E Coastal shore Swot 3 Sunken Forest Angelica thicket Hottonia inflala Featherfoil S1 Th Freshwater Treasure 16 Pond Pond .... Freshwater Chippy's 1 Pond Pond Veronica peregrina Neckweed S1 Th Roadside N or ~sa~Ha 6 Beach .4ster vimineus Osier-Aster S2 R Maritime a~h ~o,d. 12 N shore Grassland ! ! *Rank includes two codes: the first is the New York Natural Heritage Program rarity code, based on number of extant populations in the state; the second indicates the legal status under NYS Environmental Law (6 NYCRR Part 193.3, Protected Native Plants): E, endangered, Th. threatened, R, rare, V, vulnerable to exploitation. **Key to numbered sites on Fig. 11 (next page), showing approximate locations of populations. Sites are numbered from left to right. I I I I i ! I I I i I I I Figure 11. Locations of rare plant populations in the Watershed area. i ! I I Numbers on map above correspond to site numbers in last column on preceding table. I i ! I I I i i i I i I i I I I I The following format is used for each species. Scientific name authority. Common name. Flowering time. Habitat. Previous reports and specimens (the flora of the Island published by C.C. Hanmer in 1940 is the primary.' historic reference). Specimens collected by Tucker & Homing in 1990, 1991, and 1992L New York Natural Heritage Program Ranks (as assigned by Young, 1992) and State Legal Status (see Table 1). **Telaranea nematodes Gottsche Liverwort. Autumn. Rare, sandy shores of ponds. This is the only rare b~ophyte known from the island. It was collected by Alexander W. Evans in August 1916, from the sandy shore of a pond (specimen at Yale University Herbarium). A.s is unfortunately the case with ali of Evans's collections from Fishers Island, he did not record the specific locality on the island, but the statement of habitat and requirements of the species would seem to indicate Island Pond or Middle Farm Pond as the likely sites. We did not encounter this species in 1990, 1991, or 1992, but this is not surprising since it typically grows on exposed shores in years of low water. There are only two sites for this species in the state, but rare liverworts are not currently listed by the Heritage Program or protected by law in New York State. 1The following codes are used to indicate herbaria or museums where cited specimens are housed: BILL, Brooklyn Botanic Garden; CCNL, Connecticut College, New London; CONN, University Of Connecticut; GH, Gray Herbarium, Harvard University; HLF, H.L. Ferguson Museum; NI--IA, University of Ney, Hampshire: MICH, University of Michigan; NY, New York Botanical Garden; NYS, New York State Museum. I **Potamogeton pulcher Tuckerman Spotted Pondweed. June-July. Ponds. Matthiessen Pre.serve Pond. Island Pond (GCT & EHH 6174, NYS). Not reported by Hanmer or St. John. Matthiessen Pond was flooded b.,, saltwater from Hurricane Bob in Augusl 1991; no plants could be found there in 1992. However, the population may recover from seeds. HERITAGE PROGR.M~t RANK SH. Legal Status: Endangered. Diplachne maritima Salt-Meadow Grass Shores of brackish ponds. June-September. Charlie's Pond (W of Old Landing), GCT& EHH 5849.4, NYS). Heritage Program rank SI. Legal Status: Endangered. *'Carex emmonsii Dev, ey Sedge. Ma.'.'. Open oak or oak-hicko~' woods. Woods around Barlow Pond (GCT & EHH 5918,'t, MICH. NYS). Wilderness Point (GCT 5208. 5208A, NYS). HERITAGE PROGR?d~I R.&NK SI. Legal status: Rare. Identification of these specimens confirmed by Dr. Anion A. Reznicek. Universit5 of Michigan, expert on Figure 12. Potamogeton pulcher (Spotted Pondweed~ was documented in 1991 front Matthiessen Pond,'plant (X 1/4): seed (lower le~, X 15~. Carex hormalhodes Fern. Sedge. June. Brackish marshes. "Fishers Island" [without specific locality} (2 July 1941, Hanmer, CONN). E of Fort Pond CGCT & EHH 5419. NYS I. HERITAGE PROGR.431 RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. Care~ mitchdliana M.A. Curtis. Mitchell's Sedge. June. Rare. Damp woods. Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5458, NYS). Not previously reported from Fishers Island. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S1. Legal Status: Endangered. Carex straminea Willd. Straw Sedge. June-July. Damp woods and meadows. Hungry Point (EHH, 21 June 1990, NYS A5447 and GCT& EHH5457. NYS). HERITAGE PROGR_~uVt RANK SI. Legal Status: Unprotected. i I I I I I I I I I ! I I I I I I i Cyperus eo'throrhiz, os Muhl. Red-rooted Flatsedge. July-August. Pond shores. Mud Pond (GCT & EHH 5780, NYS). Barleyfield Outlet (GCT & EHH 5807, NYS). Patterson's Pond (GCT & EHH 5856, NYS). Grass Pond (GCT & EHH 5589, NYS). Not previously reported. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. **Cyperus odoratus L. Rusty Flatsedge. August-September. Shores of brackish ponds and upper edges of tidal marshes. Not previously reported. Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5779, NYS). South Beach Pond (GCT & EHH 5779, NYS). Walsh Park Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5819, NYS). Barleyfield Outlet (GCT & EHH 5802, NYS). Island Pond, SE shore (GCT, EHH & PCS 5845, NYS). Nitze's Pond (GCT & EHH 5856, NYS). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Slatus: Unprotected. Cyperus po~.'stachyos Rottb. Flatsedge. August. Wet slightly brackish shores. Barleyfield Outlet (GCT& EHH 5805, NY'S). Not previously reported. HERITAGE PROGR?Jq RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. Eleocharis engelmannii Steudel Engelmann's Spikerush. August. Muddy ponds, after water recedes. "Dr5., pond hole~ (30 Aug 1929, Hanmer 1088, BKL). HERITAGE PROGR:~vl R..~NK S1. Legal Status: Endangered. Eleocharis halophila (Fern. & Brack.) Fern. & Brack. Salt marsh Spikerush. May. Seepage at edge of tidal marsh. West Harbor, near Sharp Site (GCT5176, NYS). Golf course, 14th hole fen (GCT & EHH 5592, NYS). HERIYAGE PROGRAM RANK SIS2. Legal Status: Rare. Iris prismatica Pursh Slender Blue Flag. June. Wet meadows. "Occasional." Hanmer (1940). Meadow land (2 July 1909, Hanmer, CONN). Edge of peat swamp (28 3ul.~ 1907, fr., Hanmer, CONN). Fort Meadow (EHH, obs.). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Statu~: Unprotected. Arethusa bulbosa L. Arethusa Orchid. Late May. Wellands. 'Found once several years ago.' (Hanmer 1940). Sphagnum bog (18 May 1913, Hanmer, CONN). HERITAGE PROGR.,~d RANK S2. Legal Status: Vulnerable. **Spirarahes vernalis Engelm. & Gray Ladies-Tresses. August. DW grasslands. Fishers Island (29 Aug 188% Graves, CCNL). Dr)' pasture (20 Aug 1905, Hanmer, CONN), Dr)' fields (Aug 1916, Evans, YU). Dr)' field (2 Sep 1905. Hanmer. CONN). Fishers Island (10 Aug 1938, E.K. Hanmer, CONN). Middle Farm Flats (Tucker and Horning obsev,'ation). HERITAGE PROGRAM R,M'q'K SI. Legal status: Vulnerable. **Rumex mari~imua var. fueginu~ (Phil.) Dus~n Golden Dock. Late July-early August. Beach Pond (R. Zaremba, reported in 1985; GCT& EHH 5841. NYS). Barleyfield Cove cGCT& EHH 5800, NYS). Not previously reported. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S1. Legal Status: Threatened. Figure 13. Spiranthes vernalis (Ladies TressesL ti rare orchM occurnng ar Middle Farm Flats, ! .qtriplex glabriuscula Edmonston Seaside Orache. I Late July-early beaches. Rare. Wilderness Point (GCT& EHH 5875, BKL, NYS). FIRST September Rocl~' SPECIMEN-BASED REPORT FROM NEW YORK STATE; N~HP RANK Sl. State legal status: Endangered. I **Chenopodium rubrum L. Red Pigweed. Coast Blite. i Late July-August. 'Common on sea beaches.' (Hanmer 1940). Sea beach (26 Aug 1905, Hanmer, CONN). Pond (GCT, ohs). South side of Beach East End (GCT& EHH 5774, BKL, NYS). Barleyfield Outlet (ocr, obs.). Fishers Island extant sites in New York State. HERITAGE PROORAM RANK S1. Legal I Status: Unprotected.sites are the only I ',i ~ ', ~, ' ~ ~ I, :" - t ,i' / : :": ' ..... Figure 14. Chenopodium rubrum (Red Pigweed), a rare species occurring on the beach south of Beach Pond; habit at left, flower and seed at upper right. **Chenopodium strictum var. glaucophyllum Pigweed. September-October. Roadside in woods. Brickyard Woods, on N side of Main Road N of Brickyard Poiqd (GCT& EHH 2928, BKL, NYS). The species is Icnown from only three sites in Ney, York State. HERIT.-X6E PROGR?dVl R..'d'qK SI. Legal Status: Unprotected. Figure 15. Chenopodium strictum (Pigweed), a rare species occurring near Brick3'ard Pond: leaf (left), upper half of plant (center). frutt and seed (right). I I I I i I i ! it I ! I I I I t i I Ranunculus cymbalaria Pursh Seaside Crov/foot. August-early September. Beaches. 'Rare, one station known' (Hanmer 1940). 'Stony beach, submerged at times" Hanmer, 27 Sep 1931, BKL, CONN; 9 July 1932, BKL; and 4 Sep 1938, CONN). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK SI. Legal Status: Endangered. Ranunculus micranthus Nutt. Small-flowered Buttercup. May. Oak forest (?). On rock (24 June 1924, Latham 6169, NYS). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S1. Legal Status: Unprotected. ,4grimonia parviflora Pdt. Small-flowered Agrimony. July-August. Woods and pastures. 'Occasional. Not found recently.' (Hanmer 1940). 'Pasture among bushes' (23 Aug 1909, Hanmer, CONN). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2S3. Legal Status: Rare. **Potentilla an~erina subsp, pat/fica (Howell) Rousi Silver~weed. May-June. Upper edges of salt marshes. ~Common on sea beaches.' (Hanmer 1940). North shore of Beach Pond (GCT obs.). Buckner's Salt Marsh (GCT & EHH 5982, NYS). West Harbor (GCT & EHH. obs.). Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH, obs.). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. Figure 16. Potenlilla anserina (Silverweedl. a rare boreal species occurring at Beach Pond tone-half life-sizel. Ptelea trifoliata L. Hop-Tree. Wafer-Tree. Late May. Roadsides and thickets. "Several colonies." (Hanmer 1940). Roadside (Oct 1924, Hanmer, CONNI. HERITAGE Pi>.OGR.a3I RANK S2. Legal status: Rare. I I t I I i I I i ! i I i I I ! I I Figure 17. Helianthemum dumosum (Bushy Rockrose), a federally listed species occumng near Middle Farms Pond_ **Heliamhemum dumosum (Bickn.) Fern. Bushy Rockrose. May. Rare. Edges of pitch pine woods. SE side of Middle Farms Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5839, 5840, BKL). Not previousb reported. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Status: Threatened. Federal Status: 3C (not in need of official listing at federal level). I **Myriophyllum pinnatum (Walt.) BSP. Green Parrot's-Feather Milfoil. July-August. Ponds. Mud Pond (GCT & EHH 5573. NHA, NYS). Treasure Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5837. NHA. NYS). The population at Mud Pond was destroyed by salt water flooding from Hurricane Bob on lW Aug. 1991. HERITAGE PROGRA/e/ RANK Si. Legal Status: Endangered. Figure 18. Myriophyllum pinnatum (Green Parrot Feather blilfoill: shoreline growth form (4, X 1~?) and leaves and fruits (B, X 1/2~: emergent plant (C, X 1/2) and leaves and fruits (D, X2~. I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I *Angelica lucMa L. Seaside Angelica. June-July. Along shore between thickets and high tide limit. First found by A. W. Evans in 1916 at 'west end of island' (Evans, 1917). 'Thickets near beach' (Jul 1916, fl. + fr., Evans, YU). Not reported by Hanmer (1940) although collected by him. 'Open, near coast' (Hanmer, 6 Aug 1934, BKL, CONN; 2 June 1935, Hanmer, BKL). 'Open thicket, high ground' (Hanmer, 24 Aug 1940, BKL, CONN). 'Open thicket' (Hanmer 3330, 22 June 1941, leaf only, 10 July 1941, flowers, 13 Aug 1941, mature fruits, three sheets, NYS). Occurs at Two Springs, Chocomount Cove (GCT, obs.); North shore by Money Pond, several hundred plants (GCT & EHH, obs.); Whitney Estate (GCT& EHH 5463, NYS). North Hill (GCT & EHH, obs.). North shore of the Peninsula (GCT & EHH, obs.). N shore, just NW of Barlow Pond (GCT & EHH 6104, NYS). South Dumpling Island (Harkins 947, NYS, and GCT& EHH 6178, NYS). At southern limit of range. HERITAGE PROGR.,KM RANK SI. Legal Status: Endangered. **ltydrocoo'le umbellata L. Water Pennywort. July-August. Shallow water and on mud. "Growing among rocks, pond' (23 July 1940, Hanmer 3351, BKL). Middle Farms Pond. south cove (GCT & EHH 5513, NYS and 5516, BH, HLF, NYS). Turtle Pond (GCT & EHH, obs.). HER~T.~,GE PROGRAbi RANK S3. Legal Status: Unprotected. Ligtaticum scothicum L. Scotch Lovage. Sea-Parsley. July-August. High tide line on upper beach. 'Long known to be common on Fishers Island' (Graves 1896). "Common along sea beaches.~ (Hanmer 1940). 'North shore of Fishers Island" (29 Aug 1885, fl. + fr., Setchell, YU). "Fishers Island" (Clark, 24 Aug 1902, CONN, YU). 'Grassland near salt water' (Hanmer, 15 Aug 1906, CONN). Grassland near seabeach (22 Aug 1929, Hanmer 3356, BKL). HERITAroE PROGRAM RANK SI. Legal Status: Endangered. Gaylussacia dumosa (Andr.) Torr. & Gray Bog HuckleberD,. Jul)'. Bogs (?). 'Fishers Island" (Graves, 26 Aug 1891, CCNL). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S3. Legal Status: Unprotected. Not reported by Hanmer or St. John. I **Hottonia inflata Ell. Featherfoil. June.Jul. Ponds. Not previously reported from the island. Treasure Pond (Tucker & Harrison, obs.). Chippy's Pond (Boker Doyle Preserve) GCT & EHH 6614, NYS). HERITAGE PROGRAM R..kNK S1. Legal Status: Threatened. Lysimachia hybrida Michx. Lance-leaved Loose. strife. July-August. Swamps. Reported by Hanmer (1940). We have been unable to relocate this species on the island. HER1TA~iE PROGR?dV~ R.~'4K S1. Legal Status: Threatened. Federal Status: 3C (not in need of official listing at feederal level). ,4~clepias purpurascens L. Purple Milkweed. June. Grasslands. "Rare. Found once in 1932." (Hanmer 1940). Two populations relocated on the island in 1991. Silver Eel Cove (GCT 6417. NYS). Race Point (GCT & EHH 6410, NYS}. HERITAGE PROGR.a3~ RANK S2. Legal Status: Threatened. Figure 19. Hottonia inflata (Featherfoil), an unusual looking aquatic plant known porn Treasure Pond and Chippy g Pond: entire plant (X 2/5); flower (at right, X 51. I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I i I Cu. scuta campestris Yuncker Field Dodder. August-September Pond shores. Not previously reported from the island. Walsh Park (GCT EHH & PCS 5821, NYS, TRTE). Identified by Dr. William J. Crins, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, authority on Cuscuta. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK SI. Legal Status: Rare. Cuscuta pentagona Engelm. Dodder. June-July. Upper edges of beaches. Reported by St. John (1941; found in 1939) but not Hanmer (1940). Relocated in June 1991 near west end of Airport (GCT& EHH 6143, NYS). HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK SI. Legal Status: Rare. **Veronica peregrina var. ~/apens/s (H.B.K.) St. John & Warren. Neckweed. May-June. Disturbed shaded soil. North Hill (GCT & EHH 5991, NYS). N of Isabella Beach (GCT & EHH 6102, NYS). Not previously reported. HERITAGE PROGR~a3Vl RANK S1. Legal Status: Unprotected. Plamagojuncoides (Lam.) Hult~n Seaside Plantain. July. Tidal marshes. 'Fairly common" (Hanmer 1940). Peninsula (GCZ EHH & PCS 5863, NYS). Buckner's Salt Marsh (GCT & EHH, ob,.). HERITAGE PROGR.~t RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. IYburnum dentatum L. var. venosum (Britton) Gleason Southern Arrowwood. June. Open woods and shrub thickets. Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 6116, NYS). It is interesting that this species is unknown in Connecticut, rare in New York, but forms much of the shrubs thickets on nearby Block Island. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Statu~: Rare. Figure 20. Veronica peregrina (Neckweed), a rare annual plant known from north of lsabella Beach (X 1/2). **Aster vimineus Lam. Osier-Aster. Small White Aster. Late August-October Fields and roadsides. Common (Hanmer 1940). Roadside (12 Sep 1905, Hanmer, CONN, 2 sheets). N shore of Beach Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5847, NYS). Specimen checked by Dr. Eric E. Laraont, New York Botanical Gar0en, specialist on Long Island Asteraceae. HERITAGE PROGRAM RANK S2. Legal Status: Rare. I Erechtites hieracifolia ,,'ar. mega/ocarpa (Fern.) Cronq. Fireweed. Pilcwort. September. Sea beaches. Stony Beach (GCT& EHH5756, NFS). Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). Rare in New York State, one of only two occurrences. HERITAGE PROGRAM R~dqg. SI. Legal Status: Unprotected. Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae Lunell Blazing Star. Late August-early September. Common (Hanmer 1940); now scarce on the island. Fort Meadow, open field (1 Sep 1929, Hanmer, CONN). Knoll at Race Point (EHH, obs.). HERITAGE PROGRAM I~-XNK S2S3. Legal Status: Rare. Solidago elliottii T. & G. Coastal Goldenrod. Elliott's Goldenrod. Late Sep-earl.~ October Open thickets. Not reported by Hanmer (1940). Walsh Park (Zaremba, rep.: GCT. EHH & PCS 5817. NFS). HERITAGE PROGR_~dvl R.~d'qK SI. Legal Status: Unprotected. I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IlL ANIMAL LIFE EDWIN H. HORNING a. Terrestrial Mammals The monograph on Long Island mammals by Connor (1971) was consulted extensively in the preparation of this section. Some other species are included, based on recent reports by E.H. Homing (or conveyed to him by knowledgeable individuals). In addition the New York State Museum's Mammal Database was searched for records from Fishers Island, but the only ones found were those under White-footed Mouse. The terrestrial fauna of Fishers Island is substantially less diverse than that of eastern Long Island and adjacent southern New England. Many common species, such as the chipmunk and woodchuck, are absent. It would appear that these species have never been present on the island; however, red fox and beaver are known to have been there in pre-settlement times, since bones of these two mammals have been found in Native American shelI middens on Fishers Island. Sylvilagusfioridanus (Thomas) Cottontail On Fishers Island a western subspecies was introduced in the 1940's and is now very numerous (Connor, 1971). If one drives around the island on a rainy day toward evening, one might count up to 100 grazing on the lawns and roadsides. A person cannot grow a garden if he does not build a fence. They seem to be present exer).%'here: in fields, gardens, clearings, wooded areas, and even on the beaches. I estimate the current population at a minimum of 1000. Sciurus carolinensis pensylvanicus Ord Gray Squirrel Not mentioned by Connor from Fishers Island (1971). I have been told that Erard Matthiessen brought squirrels to the island and released them, ca. 1950. One black phase (melanistic) squirrel was observed recently by Don Murray who at one time hunted squirrels in Upstate New York. Signs of squirrels, such as gnawed hickory nuts, were found in the oak hickory woods northwest of Barlow Pond. In the early spring they are often seen eating the buds of the red maples. One summer resident who lives in the mansion house cottages (near the Fire Station) has trapped a large number of squirrels, as many as 50, in Havahart Live traps, and released them farther east on the island. Some have returned. I estimate the current population at 400. Citellus tridecemlineatus Thirteen.lined Ground Squirrel This species was brought to Fishers Island around 1950. One of the residents sent for them thinking he was getting chipmunks. By the late 1950's the), had become established on the 18-hole Oolf Course and were becoming a pest. They were then exterminated and there are now none. I Perom.vscus leucopu~ noveboracer~is (Fischer) White.footed Mouse mlt is common on Fishers Island, and three collected by G.G. Goodwin in 1924 are in the American Museum of Natural History.~ (Connor, 1971, p. 30). Thirteen specimens collected by Danforth & Lawrwence in 1980 are deposited at the American Museum of Natural Histo~'. These were taken al Bric,'etd Woods. Barleyfield Cove, and Mud Pond. (Data provided by New York State Museum's Mammal Database.]. A line of ten traps was set from 2-10 Sep 1991 on the northeast shore of Barlow Pond. The line included 12 traps baited with peanut butter and oatmeal. These were checked daily. A few were tripped but no mammals were caught. The traps were then moved to the red maple swamp at the southeast corner of the pond. From ll to 20 Sep., nine mice were caught there. The trap line was then moved to the northwest side of Barlow Pond from 22-30 Sep No mice were caught. The trap line was then set along the west shore of Middle Farm Pond. Three mice were caught on 2 Oct.. two female and one male. David Cameron Duf~ and Scott Campbell of Shelter Island, in a study of mice and Lyme disease car~'ing ticks, set out a line of 100 traps along the south and east shores of Middle Farm Ponds. These were kept out for tv.t~ nights, 3 and 4 Oct. Nine mice were caught the first night and eleven the second, males and females in nearl> equal numbers, ranging in weight from 18-3i grams. Four of these were parasitized by bdt fly larvae. and one v, ith a deer tick (lxodes dentamsl. A line of traps set out in Brickyard Woods on 4 Oct. yielded 15 mice (7 male. 8 female). One of these was immature; one had a bdt fly larva, and none had ticks. It is interesting to note that the percentage of mice bearing ticks is about 20 ~- of that on Shelter Island, where Lvme Disease is ver,.' abundant. However. the ticks on Fishers Island were not the species I./rodes damminQ that is the principal vector of Lyme Disease. Ondatra zibethicus zibethicus I Lin naeu:,~ Muskrat Mentioned b,',' Connor ~19711 as occurring on Orient, Montauk, Shelter, and Gardiners Islands (but not Fishersl. Observed recentb by Horning. We found a roadkill near the southwest corner of Barlow Pond on 17 Jul,,. 1991. This was taken back to the State Museum for identification; the skeleton was too badb pulverized to make it suitable for a specimen. During the second week of October, two dead muskrats were seen along the road near Bric~'ard Pond, west of Barlow Pond. Mus musculus Linnaeus House Mouse. Noted a~, occurring on remote Great Gull Island, just west of Fishers Island (Connor, 1971 ). Microtus pensylvanicus pensylvanicux (Ord) Meadow Vole. Reported from Fishers Island (Connor, 1971). Not trapped in the present study. An extensive system of burrows was found carpeting the dried out bottom of Wellfield Pond on the west side of Middle Farm Flats. on 7 No~. 1991. We set out a line of 12 traps there that day but caught no animals overnight. A resident population is also known from the vicinity of Union Chapel on the west side of the island. Rattus norvegicta (Berkenhout) Norway Rat Occurs on Fishers Island (Connor, 1971). Fairly plentiful on the island. Bagley Reid reported rats in his compost heap on the southwest side of Barlow Pond on 18 Sep 1991. Mike Doucette, who works at the Foster Estate on the north side of Treasure Pond, trapped 18 rats in their compost heap in 1991. A specimen taken 27 Jul)' 1992 near Union Chapel has been deposited at the New York State Museum as a voucher. Proc)'onlotorlotor(Linnaeus) Raccoon Not mentioned from Fishers Island by Connor I (1971). B efore1960there were none on the island. I /~~i~?-~' deliberately released. At first slov,'Iv and then more [ rapidl, they increased in numbers until they beganI cans. plunder gardens, and do other troublesome I things. My son George Homing had two ducks in 1988. Raccoons raided the duck coop and killed Figure 21. Procyon Idiot (Racoon). both of them. In the summer of 1991 a group of three young raccoons was seen almost daily near dusk in the vicinity of the Post Office. I estimate the current population at perhaps 50. A roadkill found near Island Pond on 17 Jul)', 1991 was taken as a museum specimen. I I I I Lulra canadensis (Schreber) River Otter This species was not mentioned from Fishers Island by Connor. I first heard rumors of otters on Fishers Island as far hack as the 1960's. But these were reports of tracks, no one had actually seen an otter. Then on 14 Sep 1985, while leading a birding group from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, we saw an otter swimming across Money Pond (at the east end of the island). The next day (15 Sep 1991), I returned and saw two muskrats and then saw the otter again. In 1987, Joe Rogan found an otter skeleton on the beach near the Fishers Island Country Club. He donated the skeleton to the Ferguson Museum where il is now displayed. On 27 Aug 1988, Steve Mallinowski called to report that there was a gannet with a fish hook in its beak in I West Harbor. We met at the dock and motored out to the gannet. We caught the gannet in a net, removed the hook, and motored back to shore docking near the cottage of the Grayson Murphy family. While Steve went into the house to telephone the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, I waited in the boat. It was dusk and after a fey, minutes I noticed the top of a pole sticking out of the water. Then I saw the pole moving toward me until il was only five feet away. Then lhe pole dove and swam under the boat. The 'pole" was a river otter. Post Office. He said that during the past two weeks he had seen two otters in Middle Farm Pond, which ~..._. was partly frozen over. One otter was on the ice and ~ -. the other in the water nearby. I went to the pond several times but did not see the otters. Then, on 2 Figure 22, Lutra canadensis tOtterL March as I drove along the dirt road. I looked out and saw an otter sitting on the ice about 100 yards away. During the summer of 1989, some fishermen caught largemouth bass with large chunks bitten out of them. There were also fewer big bass in the pond. In Oct 1989, Bob Laine saw two otters in Turtle Pond (Perch Pond). In 1990, Joe Rogan sa',,,' otters crossing the road from The Sunken Forest going toward Barlow Pond. On I June 1991, Joe Rogan and his wife sa',,,' two otters in Middle Farm Pond ,~ .. while fishing. On 2 June, Art Bulger and Sarah Tremaine sa',,, two otters swimming in Chocomount Cove on the north shore of the island. On 16 June, Dick Baker say, two in Darbx Cove. His son Jimmy, said there were more. On 6 Jul)', Charles Ferguson saw some otters swimming past his cottage on West ... Harbor. On 8 July 1991, Liz Carter, who lives on the west shore of West Harbor, saw F i g u r e 2 3. L u t r a canadensis (Otteri. five otters swim b_~ her house in undulating fashion and play under the Old footpnms tx 1/3~. Harbor Dock. In September, Otis Horn told me that otters had been recently seen in the ditch leading from Chippy's Pond to West Harbor. On 22 Jan 1992, John H. Thatcher, Jr. and I saw otter tracks on the dusting of snow that covered the icc on the south cove of Middle Farm Pond. One could also ~ where the otters had been sliding down a nearby bank. On 30 Jan 1993, otter tracks were seen by Otis Horn on fresh snow crossing the road on the north side of Barlow Pond. A/I the foregoing observations indicate that otters are regular residents of Fishers Island. travelling m a territory, that includes the watershed ponds, Brickyard Woods, and West Harbor. Mt~tela vison Mink In 1972 during the trapping season, ~-- Ton)' Hard)' caught many muskrats and one mink. This mink was identified by Otis Horn. Tony caught the mink in Grass Pond. During the summer of 1991, a lady told me that she sav.' a mink at the 18-hole golf course (near Grass Pond). Figure 24. Mustela vison (Mink). ! ! ! ! I ! I I I I I Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman White-tailed Deer Don Malcarney. an archeologist from New Haven, found an early map made by Reverend Styles in 1761. At that time the map indicated that there were about 50 deer on the island. In the early 1930's there were about 30 deer on the island. According to Otis Horn, these were driven to the west end of the island by dogs and left the island. Deer were noted from Gardiners Island and Shelter Island by Connor (1971), but not from Fishers. Since that time there has been no resident deer population on the island. High browse lines on trees, indicative of deer populations as high as fifty per square mile, have been noted in parts of southeastern Connecticut iGoodwin I991) and Gardiners Island (Hehre 1978). No cddence of deer browsing has been seen on Fishers Island. On 15 Sep. 1990, a pair (buck and doe) were observed near Grey Gulls (DuPont Estate) west of Brickyard Pond. M. votis lucifugus lucifugus Little Brown Bat This is one of t~o species of bats that I know of on the island. On three occasions, I have removed these bats from the homes of residents with a net. On June 29, 1987, Paul Tombari told me that he had just seen three bats dive down his neighbor's chimney. While working in one of the bunkers of old Fort Wright, we found a little brown bat roosting on the wall. While still teaching school in 1980, I captured one on the top floor of our house and took it to school in a glass jar for obse~ation. Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired Bat I have seen this species on only two occasions on the island. One fall in the mid 1970's Edward Scroxton found one entangled in a bush while working on a landscaping job. It was alive when found but died soon after. He gave it to me and I had it mounted. It is nov., a display specimen in the Ferguson Museum. I Excluded or doubtful Species Sore~ cmereus cinereus Kerr No records from Fishers Island but Connor thought it might be there. Masked Shrew Blarina brevicauda talpoides (Gapper) Short Tailed Shrew. Occurs on Fishers Island (Connor, 1971). Not captured in the present study although some traps were sel m areas of dead wood where shrews live. We have been unable to locate specimens to confirm Connor's report. I I I I I I i I I I i I I 1 I I I I b, Breeding Birds EDWIN H. HORNING Usage of scientific and common names follows: American Ornithologists' Union, 1983, Check-list of North American Birds, 6th Edition, Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. Species marked with "* are definitely known to breed in the study area, those marked * in the vicinity of the study area. All other species known or suspected to breed are also included. Rare species are summarized in Table 3. Confirmed nesting records are abbreviated as follows: NE Nest with eggs ON Adults on nest NY Nest with young 1~' Adults feeding young FL Fledgelings observed Phalacrocorax auritus (Lesson) Confirmed (NY) on Fishers Island Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus) Possible breeder on Fishers Island. NYNHP rank S2; state legal status PROTECTED *Casmerodius albus (Linnaeus) Confirmed (FLi on Fishers Island. NYNHP rank S2; state legal status PROTEL't'ED *Egretta thula (Molina I Confirmed (FL) at Beach Pond. NYNHP rank S3; stale legal status PROTECTED Egretta caerulea (Linnaeus) Little Blue Heron Possible on Fishers Island. Three adults were observed by H. Lee Ferguson at Middle Farm Pond on 1 July 1963. NYNHP rank S2; state legal status PROTECTED **Butorides striatus (Linnaeus) Green-backed Heron Confirmed at Middle Farm Pond and Barlow Pond (FL) **Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus) Black-crowned Night Heron Confirmed at Treasure Pond (FL) and Turtle Pond (NE); first nesting record on the island from Brickyard Woods (12 May 1963 by H. ~ Ferguson Jr.). NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTEuI'b-D Plegadisfalcinellus (Linnaeus) Glossy Ibis Probable on Fishers Island. NYNHP rank S2; state legal status PROTECTED Double-crested Cormorant Cattle Egret Great Egret Snowy Egret Table 3. Rare, threatened, and endangered birds breeding in Watershed Area. Common Name Rank* Source§ Cover Type Site Name ** Snowy Egret S3 FL Coastal Shrub Beach Pond 7 thicket Black-crowned S3 NE Shrub thicket/ Turtle Pond 2 Night Heron pond shore " FL Oak woods Treasure Pond 8 Gadwall (duck) S3 FL Shrub thicket Island Pond 3 Game Osprey S4 NY Mar/time Middle Farm 4 Thr Grassland Flats (3 sites) 5 6 Northern }-Iarrier S3 FL Shrub thicket Beach Pond. 7 (Marsh Hawk) Thr N side K/rig Rail S1 Y Shrub Swamp Middle Farm 6 Prot Pond, S cove Piping Plover S2 FL Maritime Beach Pond, 7 End, Beach S side Fed Oystercatcher S3 ON Maritime Beach Pond, 7 Prot Beach S side Least Tern S3 NY Maritime Beach Pond. 7 End Beach S side I Fish Crow S4 FL Red Maple Barlow Pond, 1 Prot Swamp SE side *Natural Heritage Program rank. S1-S4, state legal status, Game. Threatened, Endangered, Protected. Federally Endangered. §Source of record, whether based on FL. NE, NY, Y. ON (see preceding pages) *'Corresponds to site numbers on Fig. 25. I I I Figure 25. Locations of rare, threatened, and endangered Breeding Bird sites in the Watershed area. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i Numbers by s~tes on map above correspond to site numbers in last column on prex. eaing table. *'Cygnus olor (Gmelin) Mute Swan A native of Eurasia. the mute swan is one of the few exotic species that has become established in the Northeast. First nested on the island in 1957; by 1961 there were three pairs on the island (Ferguson, 1962). Since then, it has been confirmed at Beach Pond, Island Pond, and Middle Farm Pond (NE). **Branla canadenMs (Linnaeus) Canada Goose Confirmed at Barlow Pond (NEI **A/x sponsa (Linnaeus) Wood Duck Confirmed at Barlow Pond in maple swamp at SE corner (FL). This report, made in 1991 in the course ot the watershed survey, is the first confirmed report of the species on Fishers Island. *Ands crecca Linnaeus Green-winged Teal Confirmed breeder (FL) on the island on Fishers Island. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTECTED *.4nas rubripes Brewster American Black Duck Confirmed breeder (FL) at lsland Pond and shore of sound near Treasure Pond (NE) **Ands plaO,rhynchos Linnaeus Mallard (FL} Beach Pond and Island Pond Arias discors Linnaeus Blue-winged Teal Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island 'Anas strepera Linnaeu~ Gadwall Confirmed (FL) at Island Pond. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status Game species Mergm serrator Linnaeus Red-breasted Merganser Possible breeder in stud.',' area. NYNHP rank S1S2; state legal status Game species * * Pandion haliaetta (Linnaeus~ Ospre) Confirmed breeder I NY/at NE corner of island Pond and west side of Middle Farm Pond. There were six nests on the island in 1961 (Ferguson, 1962). NYNHP rank S4: state legal status THREATENED Circta ©,aneus (Linnaeusl Northern Harrier (Marsh Hawk) Probable breeder near north side of Beach Pond (parents and 5 young seen 14 July 1978) and near Middle Farm Pond. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status THREATENED * *Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin) Red-tailed Hawk Confirmed (FL) near Middle Farm Pond. The adults took five young peacoclcs from an open topped cage at the Foster Estate on the north side of Treasure Pond in the summer of 1991. **Falco sparverius Linnaeus American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) Confirmed (FL) from woods on NW side of Middle Farm Pond. Ferguson (1962) noted that there was usually one pair nesting on the island. **Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus Ring-necked Pheasant Confirmed (NY) on Fishers Island. Plentiful on the island and in the watershed area although many of these are birds released for hunting. Meleagris gallopavo Lin,n, aeus Wild Turkey Once confirmed (NS) on Fishers Island, but no individuals have been seen since 1985. Colinus virginianu~ (Linnaeus) Northern Bob-white Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island. Plentiful on the island and in the watershed area, although many of these are birds released for hunting. * *Rat!us King Rail Confirmed: adult with .~oung observed along road at SW corner of Middle Farm Pond on 7 July 1971. No recent sightings. NYNHP rank S1; state legal status Protected Rallus limicola Vieillot Virginia Rail Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island (Wilderness Point and Fort Pond areas). *Charadrita rnelodu~ Ord Piping Plover NYNHP rank S2; state legal status Endangered; Federal status ENDANGERED (THREATENED in some parts of its range). Confirmed (FL) on barrier beach on southwest side of Beach Pond, 3 young fledged in 1991. Ferguson (1962) noted that it was a common summer resident and that 10-15 pairs nest on the island annually. I began to observe this bird in 1968 on Fishers Island. At that time they chocomoun, each. For mans' years I have followed the arri,.al of March 1968; 23 March 1969; 21 March 1970; 22 March 1972; 19 ... March 1973:20March 1974; 18March 1975;7 March 1976;19 March 197 7: 1978, record missing; 23 March 1979; 30 March 1980, 1981, not seen; 18 Ma',' 1982; 3 June 1983. I I ! Piping plovers probably nested for the last time on South Beach in 1980. On 30 May 1980, two were seen there in territorial display. On 21 July 1980, eight piping plovers, including several young, were seen there. Figure 26. Charadrius melodus (Piping Plover), a federally li~ted species that nests on the south side of Beach Pond. Piping plover eggs hatch in May and June. The earliest date on the island is 28 May 1968. However, some newly hatched chicks were observed on 4 August 1980 at Beach Pond and this is the latest hatching. On numerous occasions from 1966-1976, large flocks were seen at South Beach, Beach Pond, or at the Airport. The largest flock (40 birds) was seen 14 July 1966. However, by the middle of August most Piping Plovers have left the island. Most records from August and September are of only one or two birds. The latest record was 29 September 1979, for a single bird seen at South Beach. On 30 May 1977, Jeff Chester showed me a nest of four eggs on Chocomount Beach. The nest was difficult to locate, at the upper edge of the beach where the dune grass begins. On 4 August 1980, three immature piping plovers were on the beach at Beach Pond. On 10 June 1984, a male was seen flying over Beach Pond (reported by Julie Zickiefoose, who has studied this species in Connecticut). On 9 June 1987, one male leisurely feeding in outlet of Beach Pond. The nesting population of piping plovers on the island appears to have plummeted in the late 1970's. After a hiatus, three fluf~' young piping plovers less than two weeks old were spotted by Carey Matthiessen and myself on 21 May 1989, at the outlet of Beach Pond. Least tern, another endangered species, were also nesting in the area then. Thc total world population of piping plovers is only 3.500 indi,,4duals (Collar & Andrea'. 1988~. Thc relative isolation of the Beach Pond breeding area is undoubtedly important in the succes, ol thc piping plover there. The.,. are easil', disturbed by humans IHaig & Oring. 1985: McNicholL 1985l. * Charadrius vociferu.5 Linnaeus Killdeer Confirmed (FL) on barrier beach on southwest side of Beach Pond: also at South Beach and Fisher~ Island Countn.' Club *ttaema/opu. v palliatus Temminck American Oystercatcher Confirmed ION) on south side of Beach Pon& also at Race Point. NYNHP rank S3: state legal statu, PROTECTED .4ctitis macularia (Linnaeus I Spotted Sandpiper Confirmed (FL) near Beach Pond. Ferguson (1962) called it a vex3' common summer resident. **Scolopax minor Gmelin Woodcock Confirmed /NY) near Middle Farm Pond and near the water works at Barlow Pond. Ferguson (1962/ estimated that there were 100-200 pairs nesting on the island. Larus argenta~us Pontoppidan Herring Gull Confirmed (NY) at Stony Beach and South Dumpling Island. Ferguson (1962) estimated gOO pairs nesting on and around Fishers Island. Larus mar/nus Linnaeus Great Black-backed Gull Confirmed (NE) at Stony Beach and South Dumpling Island. Ferguson (1962) knew of no definite nesting records on the island. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTECTED Sterna dougalii Montagu Rosease Tern Possible breeder on the island. NYNHP rank S1; state legal status ENDANGERED Sterna hirundo Linnaeus Common Tern NYNHP rank S3: state legal status THREATENED; federal status C2 (candidate for listing pending further study). Confirmed (NE) at Stony Beach, but not observed there since 1980. Possibly displaced by herring gulls. Formerl.`' a common nester on the island. "The last tern colony an~ a small one of not over 8-10 nests, was located on the rocks between Beach Pond and Block Island Sound (Ferguson, 1962). *Sterna anlillarum (Lesson) ]_~ast Tern Confirmed (NY) at SW side of Beach Pond. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status ENDANGERED The Beach Pond outlet area has long been a nesting site for least tern. The earliest recorded arrival on the island was 7 May 1978. From 1966-1984 there weere from two to five pairs nesting there annually. On 19 June 1978, Sheppard Kreck and I visited Beach Pond and counted 37 adults and located one nest with two eggs. However, about 1984 the,,' ceased nesting there and ['- a new colony was established on the north shore by | Mud P°nd at the east end °f the island' This site [ was usedforse,.eralvearsandsomeyoungfledged. [ However, in 1985 and 1986 there .'ere very high tides and the nests were pro ha bi.` was,ed out. From 1- 1986to 1989, some least terns we reseenon the - '':~'~~~ / I I I I I I I I island but there was no indication of nesting. In the summer of 1989, two immatures were seen flying at Figure 27. Sterna antillarum (Least Tern), a federally listed bird that breeds near Beach Pond. Beach Pond. On 21 May 1990. Carey Matthiessen and 1 found evidence of nesting around the outlet of Beach Pond. There were ten adults on the gravel and mud flat. They were catching silversides from the outlet channel and taking some of these to their young. It was difficult to gel an exact count as some were in the air, some on the beach and some in the nesting area. On July 17 I returned with an Adult Nature Study Group. While watching the feeding birds, one of our group pointed to an osprey carrying a stick. The osprey was being pursued by 30-40 least terns. Most likely this was the whole colony as all the terns rose to the defense of their land. It appears that the terns are again well established at Beach Pond, which is significant also as a nesting site for another endangered species, the Piping Plover. Rynchops niger Linnaeus Black Skimmer Possible on Fishers Island. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTEL'I'/aD Columba h'via Gmelin Rock Dove (Domestic Pigeon) Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island, nesting in buildings around Silver Eel Cove *Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus) Confirmed (NE); frequent nester on the island Coco.'zus erythrophthalmu~ (Wilson) Possible on Fishers Island Coc~zua americanus (Linnaeus) Mourning Dove Black-billed Cuckoo Yellow-billed Cuckoo Confirmed (FY) in H. Lee Ferguson Sanctuary by Ferguson Museum Strix varia Barton Barred Owl Confirmed (FY} in woods at Whitney Estate; probable breeder in oak-hickory woods on NW shore of Barlow Pond. From 1949 to 1957 a pair nested in the old ice house on the west shore of Middle Farm Pond (Ferguson. 1962). Caprimulgus vociferu, s Wilson Whip-poor-will Possible on Fishers Island; observed during breeding season in woods on NE shore of Barlow Pond. 'It apparcntl3 nest~ here as the song is heard well into the summer" (Ferguson. 1962). **Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus) Chimney Swift Confirmed breeder (ON), chimney of Water Works near Barlow Pond in 1985 but not in 1991. Common summer resident IFerguson. 1962). *'Ceo,le alcyon (Linnaeus) Eastern Belted Kingfisher Confirmed (FL) on shores of Middle Farm Pond. Common summer resident (Ferguson, 1962). *'Colaptes auratus (Linnaeus~ Northern Flicker Confirmed (ON) as a common breeder in woods surrounding Barlow Pond. Vep, common summer resident (Ferguson, 1962). ' *Picoides pubescens (Linnaeu,,,i Downy Woodpecker Confirmed (FL) at maple swamp near Barlow Pond * *Picoides villosus (Lin naeu:, I Hairy Woodpecker Confirmed (FY) on Fishers Island from the Bric~'ard Woods Empidonax virescens (Vieillot} Acadian Flycatcher Possible on Fishers island: observed as an autumn migrant. NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTECTED Empidonax traillii (Audubon) Willow Flycatcher Confirmed breeder (NEI on the island: Race Point, Fort Meadows, and Mud Pond **Myiarchus crinitus (Linnaeus) Great Crested Flycatcher Confirmed (FL), oak woods on E side of Barlow Pond. ~H.L. F[erguson] bas no records for this bird so perhaps it is becoming more common. Certainly it is not rare now (1962). Arrives each May and nests here Not numerous but regular.' (Ferguson 1962). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I * * T. vrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus) Eastern Kingbird Confirmed (FL) from Middle Farm Flats. Common summer resident (Ferguson, 1962). Eremophila alpestris (Linnaeus) Horned Lark Possible on Fishers Island; observed near airport in breeding season *Tachycineta bicolor (VieilloI) Tree Swallow Confirmed (ON) from many' sites on the island. Common summer resident (Ferguson, 1962). Riparia riparia (Linnaeus) Bank Swallow Confirmed (ON) from gravel bank by Town Barn and from bluffs by Underwater Sound Lab *Hirundo rustica Linnaeus Barn Swallow Confirmed (NY) from garages, barns, and porches near the watershed. Common summer resident (Ferguaon, 1962). **Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus) Blue Jay Confirmed ~FL) from oak woods E of Barlow Pond. First known to nest on the island in 1935 (Ferguson, 1962}. **Corvm brachyrhynchos Brehm American Crow Confirmed (FL) in maple swamp at SE end of Barlow Pond. "Probably 3-4 pairs nest here each year, maximum number of residents between 1946-1962 has been about 14 birds." (Ferguson, 1962). * *Corvus ossifragus Wilson Fish Crow NYNHP rank S4: state legal status PROTECTED. Confirmed (FL) in maple swamp at SE end of Barlow Pond. A recent breeder on the island. Ferguson (1962) stated it was not known to nest there. **Parus atricapillu~ Linnaeus Black-capped Chickadee Confirmed (FL) in oak woods E of Barlow Pond and maple swamp on S side of Barlow Pond; common breeder on the island **Parza bicolor Linnaeus Tufted Titmouse Confirmed (FL) in oak woods E of Barlow Pond * * Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham) Carolina Wren Confirmed (NE) in maple swamp and oak woods by Barlow Pond; common breeder on the island * * Troglodytes aedon Vieillot House Wren Confirmed (FL) in maple swamp and oak woods by Barlow Pond. Very common summer resident (Ferguson, 1962). **Durnetella carolinensis (Linnaeus) Gray C. Mtbird Confirmed (FL) in all areas around Beach, Middle Farm, and Barlow Ponds; evidently the commonest breeding bird on the island. TucRer and Homing counled 36 individuals on 26 June 1991. mostl3 in the v, atershed area. "Probably Fishers Island's commonest summer resident' (Ferguson, 1962). Figure 28. Dumetella carolinensis (Catbird/, the commonest nesting btrd on Fishers Island, perched on Ilex opaca (American HoI~.') (X 1~?). Mimus po~.'gloaos ( Linnaeus t Northern Mockingbird Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island (Fort Pond and Mud Pond). First observed on the island in the breeding season in Jul,'. 1960, bu! no nest found (Ferguson, 1962). Catharusfu.~cescens (Stephens) Vee0 Probable on Fishers Island; observed in Brickyard Woods in breeding season **Hylock'hla mustelina (Gmelin) V¥ood Thrush Confirmed (FL) in "Sunken ForesV and in Brickyard Woods **Turdu$ migralorius Linnaeus American Robin Confirmed (NY) in maple woods near Barlow Pond I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ** Toxoswma ruf um (Linnaeus) Brown Thrasher Confirmed (FL) roadside woods NE of Barlow Pond * *Bombycilla cedrorum Vieillot Cedar Wm~a~ing Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island (Brickyard Woods and H. Lee Ferguson Sanctuary) **Sturnm vulgari~ Linnaeus European Starling Confirmed (NY) from 'Sunken Forest," Maple swamp at S side of Barlow Pond, and oak woods between Barlow and Island Ponds * * Vireo griaeva (Boddaert) White. eyed Vim Confirmed (NY) from oak woods on E side of Barlow Pond; possible breeder on south side of Middle Farms Pond **~reo ob'racers (Linnaeus) Red-eyed Vireo Confirmed (NE) Oak woods on NE side of Barlow Pond and maple swamp at SE end Vermivora pinus (Linnaeus) Blue-winged warbler Probable on Fishers Island; observed in BrickTard Woods **Dendroica petechia (Linnaeus) Yellow Warbler Confirmed (FY): widespread breeder on the island **SeWphaga rulicilla (Linnaeus) American Redstart Confirmed (FY); woods around Middle Farm Pond and around Barlow Pond Mniotilla tam (Linnaeus/ Black-and-white Warbler Possible in maple swamp at SE end of Barlow Pond Seiurus aurocapillm (Linnaeus) Ovenbird Probable on Fishers lsland~ observed in Brickyard Woods **Geothlypis trichas (Linnaeus) Common Yello. throat Confirmed (ON) at maple swamp at SE side of Barlow Pond; probably the second most common breeder on the island, after the catbird lcteria viren~ ~Linnaeus) Yellow-breasted Chat NYNHP rank $3: state legal status PROTECTED. Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island from Fort Meadows and dump area **Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) Northern Cardinal Confirmed (NY) Oak woods E of Barlow Pond and "Sunken Forest" **Pheucticta ludovicianus (Linnaeus) Rose-breasted Grosbeak Confirmed (FL) on Fishers Island (Brickyard Woods) **Pipilo erythrophthalrnus (Linnaeus) Rufous-sided Towhee Confirmed (FL) in oak woods at north end of Barlow Pond and maple swamp at SE side of Barlow Pond Carpodacta rnexicanus (Mailer) House Finch Confirmed (ELI on Fishers Island (Fort Area) Spizella passeHrm (Bechstein) Chipping Spareow Confirmed (NE) on Fishers Island (Hungry Point) several years ago Ammodrammm rnaritimus (Wilson) Seaside Sparrow, NYNHP rank S3; state legal status PROTECTED. Possible on Fishers Island; male heard singing at Race Point during breeding season **Melospiza melodia (Wilson) Song Sparrow Confirmed (EL) from Middle Farm Flats and Beach Pond Melospiza g~orgiana (Latham I Swamp Sparrow Possible on Fishers Island '*Ag~laius phoeniceus (Linnaeus) Red-winged Blackbird Confirmed (FL) in maple swamp at SE side of Barlow Pond and shrub swamp on sooth side of Middle Farm Pond **Quiscabas quiscula (Linnaeu,) Common Grackle Confirmed INE) nesting in planted spruce trees on N side of Treasure Pond **Molothrua ater (Stoddaert) Brown-headed Cowbird (Eastern Cowbird) Confirmed (EL) on Fishers Island from Driving Range, Fort Area, and Golf Course lcterua spuHua (Linnaeusl Orchard Oriole Possible on Fishers Island (Brick2,.'ard Woods) Icturus galbula ILinnaeus) Northern Oriole (Baltimore Oriolei Confirmed (ON) on Fishers Island from the village area near West Harbor Piranga olivacea (Gmehn~ Possible on Fisher:, Island (Brick'5.~ard Woods) Carduelix tristis (Linnaeus) Confirmed (EL) from Fort Meadow Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) Confirmed (FY) from Fort Meadov. Scarlet Tanager American Goldfinch (English Sparrow) House Sparrow I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I c. Migratory and Wintering Birds EDWIN H. HORNINO Some of these are also noted as breeding species in the above list. Podilymbus podiceps (Linnaeus) Pied-billed Grebe Spring and fall at Island Pond Ardea herodt~s Linnaeus Great Blue Heron Spring, summer, fall and winter at Island Pond, Beach Pond, Middle Farm, Treasure, and Barlow Pond. Chen caerulescens (Linnaeus) Snow Goose Fall at Middle Farm Flats. .,4ttas acttta (Linnaeus) Fall at Island Pond A/uts di, scors Linnaeus Spring and fall at Beach Pond and Island Pond Anus americana Gmelin Fall at Island Pond ,4ythya ralisineria (Wilson) Fall at Island Pond .4ythya americana (Eyton) Fall at Island Pond Aythya marila (Linnaeus) Fall al Beach Pond and Island Pond Bucephala albeola (Linnaeus) Winter at Barlow, Middle Farm, Beach Pond and Island Pond Circus O'aneu~ (Linnaeus) Spring, fall and winter at Middle Farm Flats. Accipiter strialus Vieillot Fall onb at Middle Farm Flats. Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte) Fall and winter at Middle Farm Flats. Accipiter gentilis (Linnaeus) Fall and winter at Middle Farm Flats. Northern Pintail Blue-winged Teal American Widgeon Canvasback Redhead Greater Scaup Bufllehead Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned hawk Coopers Hawk Northern Goshawk Buteo lagopu$ (Pontoppidan) Rough-legged Hawk Winter only at Middle Farm Flats. Falco columbarita Linnaeus Merlin Fall and winter at Middle Farm Flats. Pluvialis squatarola (Linnaeus) Black-bellied Plover Spring and fall at Driving Range and Beach Pond. Pluvialis dorninica Golden Plover Late summer and fall at Driving Range. Charadrius semipalmatus Bonaparte Semipalmated Plover Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Charadriu~ tnelodtcs Ord Piping Plover Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Migrants probably are individuals that breed in eastern New England. Charadrius vociferu3 Linnaeus Killdeer Spring and fall at Beach Pond and Driving Range. Tring~ melanoleuca (Gmelin ~ Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Tringa flavipes (Gmelin) Spring and fall al Beach Pond. Catoptrophorussemipalmmus (Gmelin ~ Spring and fall at Beach Pond. nctilis macularia ILinnaeu_,,i Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Arenaria inlerpres ( Lin naeus I Spring and fall ax Beach Pond. Calidris alba (Pallas~ Fall onl.~ at Beach Pond. Calidris pusilla (Linnaeus) Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Calidris minutilla (Vieillot) Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Calidris bairdii (Vieillot) Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Callidris bairdii (Loues) Fall onb at Beach Pond. Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Willet Spotted Sandpiper Ruddy Turnstone Sanderling Semiplamated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Calidris melanotos (Vieillot) Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Limnodromu~ griseus (Gmelin) Spring and fall at Beach Pond. Phalaropus tricolor (Vieillot) Fall only at Beach Pond. Sterna hirundo Linnaeus Spring. late summer and fall at Barlow Pond and Beach Pond. Caprimulgu~ vociferua Wilson Spring and fall at Middle Farm Pond and Flats. Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin) Spring. summer, and fall at Middle Farm Flats. Parula americana (Linnaeus) Spring and fall at Barlov, Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Dendroica magnolia (Wilson) Spring and fall at Barlov,' Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Dendroica caerule$cen~ (Gmelin ~ Spring and fall at Barlow Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Dendroica coronata [Linnaeu~) Spring and fall at Barlo~ Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus) Spring and fall at Barlow Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Seiurus noveboracetu'is IGmelin) Spring and fall at Barlow Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Wilsonia canadensis ~.Linnaeus) Spring and fall a~ Barlow Pond (maple swamp at SE side). Pa. xserculus sandwichensis (Gmelin) Spring and fall at Driving Range. Ammodramus caudacutus (Gmelin) Fall around Beach Pond. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin) Spring and fall in Middle Farm Flats area. Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus) Fall and winter in Middle Farm Fiats and vicinity. Pectoral Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Common Tern Whip-poor-will Wood Thrush Northern Parnla Warbler Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow.rnmped Warbler Ovenbird Northern Waterthrnsh Canada Warbler Savannah Sparrow Sharp-tailed Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco d. Amphihians and Reptiles EDWIN H. HORNING Following are all species known to occur on the island. No toads are known from the island, and several widespread frog species (bull frog, leopard frog, and pickerel frog) are absent. Both amphibian and reptiles are represented by less than half the species present in either southeastern Connecticut or eastern Long Island. Those species definitely known to occur in the Watershed Area are marked (**); those possibly occurring there are so noted. * * Rana clamitans , Green Frog Reported from small freshwater pond at Matthiessen Preserve (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989). Several were heard in the red maple swamp at ihe southeast side of Barlow Pond in August, 1991. Green frogs have also been observed in the Brickyard Woods in the ponds on the north and south sides of the Main Road, and in Madeleine Avenue Pond. The green frog is abundant on the island, but much less so than the spring peeper. * *Hyla crucifer Spring Peeper (Peep Frog) These are quite abundant in wetlands and ponds throughout the island. **Ambystoma maculatum Spotted Salamander NYNHP rank S5; State legal status UNPROTECTED, SPECIAL CONCERN This species is Ioca ized in occurrence on the island (Bricky'ard Woods) and is most evident in March and April. They are l'k~ain Road in this area on the first rainy Figure 29. Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander) documented from B~ckyard Woods. night after the middle of March. Unfortuntely some are caught by fishermen to use later as bait. They have also been seen near the Water Works, and occasionally are found elsewhere on the island in rotting logs, damp I cellars, and sometimes when foundations are being dug. The following records would indicate that the salamanders are maintaining themselves in spite of losses to cars and fishermen, as well as natural predators. 15 April 1966: Salamander eggs found in lemporary pond on south side of Main road in Brickyard Woods. 31 March 1969: Theresa Horn brought seven salamanders to school, each about 6 inches long. 30 March 1973: Salamander eggs found in the small tempora~ pond in the Brickyard Woods on the south side of the road. Eggs are regularly found in this pond. 30 March 1977: I took my Junior Audubon Class to the Brickyard Woods at 7 p.m. We heard a barred owl. Walking into the woods we visited an open well. While we were at the well a barred owl flew by. In the well v,e spotted a barred owl that had just drowned. We collected it and I dissecled it lhe following day. in its gut were the remains of a spoiled salamander. 5 April 1978: Six or more found in well in Brickyard Woods. 12 March 1982: Greg Thihodeau obsep,'ed 36 salamanders on the road in Brick'). ard Woods. Temperature 42°F (5.5°C). 13 March lC~$2: Fifteen were seen crossing the road moving northward, 2 going southward. Four had been killed by cars. Temperature 42°F (5.5°C), with fog. 23 March 1982: Salamander eggs were collected in Chippy's Pond on lhe north side of the road in Bric~'ard Wood~. I March 1983: Greg Thibodeau caught 12 spotted slamanders crossing the road at a low spot in the Brick3ard Woods. Most were crossing the road from north to south. Air temperature was 34°F 5 April 1984: I collected two in the Brickyard Woods. 2 April 1985: I found one in the well in Brick~.'ard Woods. 3 April 1985: I say, three crossing the road in Bricky'ard Woods. 30 March 1989:8-8:30 p.m., thunderstorm and light rain. Temperature 40*F (50C). One salamander seen crossing road near gate to East End. 18 March 1989: Thunderstorm during the day and temperature rose to 56°F (ll°C) in afternoon: rain continued into ¢',ening. George, Katherine, and I went to the Brickyard Woods from 7:30-9 p.m. We helped an estimated 50 salamanders cross the road, picking them up and placing them on the north side. We also sa'.'. that about 20 had been killed by passing cars before we got there. 24 March 1989: Ed Horning, Jr. counted 12 live and four dead salamanders in Brickyard Woods. He also saw one cross the road near the Water Works. Temperature 410F (5.5"C). 2 March 1991: Greg Thibodeau collected salamanders that were crossing the road in Brickyard Woods. It was raining and 48°F (9.5°C). 28 March 1991: From 8-9 p.m., 1 drove along the road in Brickyard Woods and saw four crossing, going northward While there I met Greg Thibodcau, who said that he had seen several there during the rainy spell of 2-7 March. I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I * *Plethodon cinereus Redback Salamander This species is common in wooded and thicket areas on the island. Both the leadback and red phases occur on thc island. An immature leadback found 6 November 1991 (stepped on by Tucker while coring a tree) in the Brickyard Woods has been preserved as a voucher at thc New York State Museum. It occurs around Barlow Pond and Middle Farm Pond. It is much more widespread and abundant than the spotted salamander. **Terrapene carolina Eastern Box Turtle Now rare on the island; in the 1960s and 1970s it was more frequently seen. On 22 September 1991, I observed one crossing thc unpaved road on the north side of Barlow Pond while checldng small mammal traps. It was 8 inches long. This was thc first seen since 1987, when Will Doucette found one 2.5 inches long near South Beach. It is significant that the most recent record of this rare species came from the watershed area. Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle NYNHP rank S4; state legal status UNPROTE'L'I't-D, SPECIAL CONCERN Rare on Fishers Island and perhaps no longer extant. 1 have seen the psecies just once. A single female was crossing thc gravel road on thc west side of Middle Farm Pond by the landing on 15 June 1975. She laid two eggs which I later saw hatch. Sometime in 1985, Ter~ McNamara found a broken turtle shell on this same road. At an earlier date that year, a broken shell was found on Madelaine Avenue. On 11 and 25 March 1968, a spotted turtle was sighted in Ed Horning, Jr.'s bacl~ard 'turtle pond" in the village area. These are the only record.~; if any spotted turtles remain on the island, they are in the watershed area or Madelaine Avenue. * *Chrysemys picta Painted Turtle Reported from small fresh water pond at Matthiessen Preserve (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989). They have been seen sunning on rocks and logs in ponds from March to early November. They are the turtles most often smashed by automobiles. I have records of 18 sightings from various parts of the island from 1967 to 1991; following are the highlights. 30 December 1970: One seen swimming under the ice in Brickyard Pond. 25 June 1985: Tim Patterson saw a female laying eggs on the shore of Middle Farm Pond. 19 October 1990: Several seen in Turtle Pond. 6 March 1991: Twenty turtles sunning on logs at Madeleine Avenue Pond. 16 August 1991: one seen at the east end of Middle Farm Pond by Gordon Tucker, accompanied by Edwin Homing and Eric Lamont. 18 October 1991: Fifty turtles seen sunning in Grass Pond. * * Chelydra serpentina Snapping Turtle It is very common on the island in nearly all ponds and marshes. H.Lee Ferguson at one time caught and sold them, as have others on the island, and used them for soup. At certain times of the year they are seen in bac~'ards and on Ihe roads. They are present in most of the island's ponds and have been observe~ frequently in and around Middle Farms Pond. They have also been seen at Barleyfield Pond, Madeleine Avenue. Mud Pond, and Movie Theatre Pond. Following are some of the more significant records. 2 January 1973: Steve Morell found a large snapper near Isabella Beach. He brought it to school, where we kept it for three days, then released it. This is the only I have seen during the winter. 30 June 1976: Mrs. Anderson, a summer resident, told me there was a large snapper, dead with many eggs. near Middle Farm Pond. I went there and counted 45-50 eggs. 24 August 1978: Mrs. Cheney Watkins, who lives 1/4 mile west of Barleyfield Pond, called at 9 p.m. and said there was a large snapping turtle at her screen door. Ed, Jr. and I weal to her home and removed the turtle. which weighed 40 pounds. 30 May 1991: Care), Matthiessen reported a very large snapper with its head missing near Middle Farm Pond. **Sternotherus odora~us Stinkpot (Musk Turtlet M.x son Ed '.,,'as ,.er,. interested in turtles. H.Lee Ferguson. Jr. told him that there were musk turtles m Middle Farm_', Pond and that he had caught and saw them often. Charles Ferguson also saw them as did their cousin Ruth Ferguson a~ Iar back as the 1920s. Ed set a trap in Middle Farm Pond and caught two there tn 1960. In 1990, the son of Terv: McNamara was fishing in Middle Farm Pond and caught one. He brout tt to the Ferguson Museum, showed it Io me, and lhen returned it lo the pond. I am sure that musk turtles are present in Middle Farm Pond and could be caught by setting a baited trap in spring just alter the), come out of hibernation. Howe',er, there is no reason to believe they occur in any other ponds on the island. Malaclemmys terrapin Diamond-Backed Terrapin NYNHP rank S4: state legal status UNPROTECTED, SPECIAL CONCERN This species of salt water turtle has been caught in lobster traps in West Harbor in 1980 and 1984. They may possible be present in Beach Pond or Island Pond, but we have no definite records. Dermochel. vs coriacea Leather-back Turtle NYNHP rank SH: state legal status ENDANGERED; federal status ENDANGERED Live ones ha,.e been obseiwed in The Race off the west end of the island. Dead ones bare been found washed ap on beaches at the eastern end of the island, at Wilderness Point, and at Race Point. **ThamnophL~ sauritus Eastern Ribbon Snake This species is similar to the garter snake but with a longer tail. I have several records for it, as follows. [I is viviparous and diurnal in its habits (Hunter et al., 1992). 21 April 1971: Skip Berbonne and Dan Doyen brought to school a ribbon snake about 7 inches long. 18 March 1975: George Homing found one near Middle Farm Pond. I I I I I I I I I i I i I I I I I I Spring 1980: I observed two near Middle Farm Pond. 9 June 1990: I found one dead on the road near Brickyard Woods. *' Thamnophis sirtalis Garter Snake This species has been reported from the Matthiessen Preser-/e (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989). It is so common on the Island that I have not kept many records, hut am quite sure it occurs in the Watershed Area. It is ~qviparous and diurnal in its habits (Hunter et al., 1992). **Col~ber corutric~or Black Racer Snake This species is quite common on the island; it is reported from the Matthiessen Preserve (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989). They are sometimes seen crossing roads and and often are seen around stone walls. It is oviparous (egg-layer) anmd generally diurnal in its habits (Hunter et al., 1992). 8 April 1968: Several boys caught a black racer near the old bunkers in the Fort Wright area. It was 49 inches long. They saw others there. 17 May 1973: I caught a black racer female. She appeared to have 3 eggs inside. 27 April 1981: Rick Ahman brought a black racer to the school. He had placed it in a lightly closed carddboard container. We checked the snake and closed the container. Later I found that it had escaped! About a month later while cleaning the classroom I found the racer and caught and released it. While catching it I was bitten. 19 May 1986: One seen in Brickyard Woods. 12 September 1987: One snake, 3 feet long, seen in Brickyard Woods, north of Main Road. March 1989: Bob Lane unearthed a six-foot black, snake on the Bogert Estate, on the west side of Clay Pit Pond. The snake was sluggish; this was the earliest in the season one has been seen. 7 Ma>' 1989: Tim Booth, a guest of the Kibbee family, saw a six-foot racer behind their home near Silver Eel Cove. 8 Ma.~ 1989: LarD' Horn found a young black racer. The young ones look much different from the adults: grayish with diamond shapes on their skins. 3 May 1991: Olaf Nelson, who lives on Chocomount, called and said that black snakes were terrorizing the life out of his wife a., they hung from trees outside his house and lived in the stone wall he had built. I drove out there and saw one snake sunning itself on the wall. Later that day, a black racer five feet long was seen along the road by South Beach Pond. Diadophis punctalus Ring-Neck Snake This snake with the conspicuous orange ring behind its head is harmless, as are all snakes on the island. I have seen it many times but have taken few records. In 1990 several were removed from a house on Madelaine Avenue. Ring-necked snakes are most likely in the study area but we need some definite records. It is oviparous and nocturnal in iLS habits (Hunter et al., 1992). e. Fishes of Inland Waters EDWIN H. HORNING, GORDON C. TUCKER & ROBERT A. DANIELS There are evidently no published reports dealing strictly with this subject. The recent treatment of New York State fishes by Smith (1985) makes no specific reference to Fishers Island. (In fact, the island was omitted from the outline map of the state in his book!) The species we found below are generally widely distributed in the eastern Long Island region (cf. Smith, 1985). Four sites have been sampled in 1991, using a 30-foot seine in shallow water. Fish captured were pickled in 1057 formalin and later transferred to 70% ethanol for permanent preservationL Species were identified by Robert A. Daniels, Curator of Icthyology at the New York State Museum, where specimens are deposited. A portion of each sample has been donated to the H.L. Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island. See Appendix 1 for enumeration of fish specimens. ~ .,..,.:%.~.~ .: ,~ .,~' ~::,...~ ?..~,'o .~. ~-~.._e,... ~;-?~":,2-.:,~... ~~ :'.-~ ..z.~,~ :..:~,~;,Yi~.~,~. I I I I I Figure 30. Ictalurus nebulosus (Brov~,n Bullheads, about one-half life-size. 1Collected pursuant to New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Fiah and Wildlife License issued to Ne~ York State Museurn's Biological Survey (license # LCP 91-225) for 1991. Freshwater Ponds Micropterus salmoides (Lacep~de) Middle Farms Pond Lepomis gibbosu~ (Linnacusl Barlow Pond, Middle Farms Pond, Treasure Pond Perca fiavescens (Mitchill) Middle Farms Pond, Treasure Pond Notemigonus cr.'soleucas (Mitchill) Middle Farms Pond. Treasure Pond Ictal~rus nebulosus (Lesueur) Treasure Pond Fundulus diaphanus /Le.,ueur) Middle Farm. Pond Largemouth Bass Pumpkinseed Yellow Perch Golden Shiner Brown Bullhead Banded Killifish Figure 31. Perca flavescens (Yello., Perch), top: (Fundulus diaphanus) Freshwater Killifish, center: and, Notemigonus crysoleucas (Golden Shiner); all ca. life-size. I I Figure 32. Microptcrus salmoides (Largemouth Bass), above, and Lepomis gibbosus (Pumpldnseed Sunfish), freshwater game fish found in the Watershed ponds. 1 I 1 1 Brackish Ponds The following list includes species found in Island Pond and Beach Pond. The list includes species caught b.~ seining on 27 June and 26 September 1991, species listed by Matthiessen & Sharp (1989) in their trail guide to the Matthiessen Presep,'e, and anecdotal information compiled by E.H. Horning from local fishermen. Figure 33. Morone americana { l{71ite Perch l, a game specie3 Ix ].'3 j. Apelles quadracus (Mitchill) Fourspine Stickleback Cyprinodon variegolus Lacep~de Sheepshead Minnow (Broad Killifish) Fundulus heteroclilm (Linnaeusl Mummichog NYNHP rank S3: stat< legal status UNPROTECTED; reported from Island Pond (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989) Fundulu~ majali~ { x, VMbaum ~ Striped Killifish Gasterosteus aculealus Threespine Stickleback Reported from Island Pond {Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989} Lucania pa~a (Baird) Rainwater Killifish MenMia beryllina (Cope) Inland Silverside NYNHP rank S2S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Menidia menidia (Linnaeus} Atlantic Silverside NYNHP rank S2S3; state legal status UNPROTEL-I Ir.D; reported from Island Pond (Sharp & Matthiessen. 1989) Morone americana White Perch Reported from Island Pond (Sharp & Matthiessen, 1989); frequently caught by fishermen in both ponds. Syngnalhus fuscus S torer Northern Pil~flsh NYNHP rank S3: state legal status UNPROTECTED I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Figure 34. Some fishes of brackish waters found in Island Pond and Beach Pond. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I f. Near Shore Fishes Using a 30-foot seine, shallow waters were sampled on 26 and 27 September 1991. The following sites were sampled: Silver Eel Cove, Old Landing, Dock Beach, Barleyfield Cove, East Harbor, and East End. (We were unable Io sample the south shore at Beach Pond because of heavy surf.) The results are included as any of these near shore species might occasionally be found in either Beach Pond or Island Pond. Alosa aestivalis Mitchill NYNHP rank S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED AIosa sapidissirna (Wilson) Amrnodytes arnericanus De K~y Apeltes quadracus (Mitchill) Brevoortia O'rannua (Latrobe) Cyprinodon variegatus Lac~p~de Fundulus heteroclitta' (Linnaeus) NYNHP rank S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Fundulus rnajalis (Walbaum) Lucania parva (Baird & Girard) Menidia beo'llina (Cope) NYNHP rank S2S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Menidia menidia (Linnaeus) NYNHP rank S2S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Mugil curema Cuvier & Valenciennes Myoxocephalus aeneau~ (Mitchill) NYNHP rank S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Pomatomus salt~trix (Linnaeus) Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum) Pungitius pungitius Linnaeus Stenotomus chr.'sops (Linnaeus) Syngnathus fuscus Storer NYNHP rank S3; state legal status UNPROTECTED Tautogolabrus adspersus (Walbaum) Glut Herring, Blueback Herring Shad Sand Launce Fourspine Stickleback Menhaden Broad Killiflsh Mummichog Striped Killifish Rainwater KIBifish Tidewater Silverside Common Silverside White Mullet Brassy Sculpin, Grubby Bluefish Winter Flounder Tensplne Stickleback Northern Porgy Northern Plpefish Cunner (Wrasse) I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I g. Moths GORDON C. TUCKER & TIMOTHY L. M£CABE Ultraviolet light traps were set at four places on the island: Wilderness Point (17 and 18 September 1991), Race Point (17 September 1991), the NW shore of Barlow Pond (18 September 1991), and the SW side of Middle Farms Pond (7 October 1992). Moths were identified by Dr. Timothy L. McCabe, Co-Curator of Emomolog~ at New York State Museum, where specimens are deposited. None of the species found is rare; all are relatively widely distributed in the Northeast. .4grotis gladiarea Middle Farms Pond Agrotis venerabilis Wilderness Point Bog, Middle Farms Pond Aletia oxygala Middle Farms Pond, -- feeds on grasses Anticarsia gernrnatalis Wilderness Point Bog Apantesis nais Race Point Autographa biloba Middle Farms Pond Autographa praecationis Barlov~ Pond (NW shore) Chaetoglaea tremula Middle Farms Pond Ennomos subsignarita Middle Farms Pond Etocoa tessillaris Race Point Heliothi~ zeae Barlow Pond (NW shore), Race Point ldia aemula Wilderness Point Bog Clay.backed Cutworm Dusky Cutworm Tiger Moth Two-lobed Signature Moth Precautionary Autograph Moth Cum Earworm I Lacinipolia renigera Race Point Nymphiulis maculalis Caterpillar found on leaf of Nuphar advena (yellow water lily) at the SW cove of Middle Farm Pond. 30 July 1990 Peridroma saucia Pearly Underwing Middle Farms Pond Scoliopteryx libatrix Bat Moth Caterpillar found feeding on Salix Mba (white willow) at East Harbor (17 September 19911 Plalhypena scabra Green clover worm Middle Farms Pond Trichocilia badinodi~ Middle Farm~ Pond J&stea aedcla Bronze cutworm Middle Farm~ Pond Xestia smilhii Race Point. V~'ilderness Point Bog h. Freshwater Snails GORDON C. TUCKER In a recent monograph of the freshwater snails of New York, Jokinen (1992) cited specimens she had collected on Fishers Island during the course of a statewide survey. She collected at four site~ on 1 July 1981: Duck Pond near Ferguson Museum, 250, Middle Farms Pond, 251, Ponds at the golf course at East Harbor, 252, 253, and Money Pond, 254. All the species she reported from the island are common or at least widely distributed in the state, except Gyraulus circamstriams, its occurrence on Fishers Island being only one of six in the state. Ferrissia californica (Rowell) East Harbor Gyraulus deflectus (Say) East Harb~o,r Gyraulus par~us (Sa?) East Harbor Gyraulas circumstriatu~ (TD, on) P,,ARE, East Harbor * Micromenetus dilatatus (Gould) Middle Farms Pond Physa gvrina (Say) Duck Pond Figure 35. Physa gyrina (Tadpole Physa ), a freshwater snail occurring ar Middle Farms Pond. I ! Fragile Ancyclid Flexed Gyro Ash Gyro Disc Gyro Bugle Sprite Tadpole Physa Figure 36. Gyraulus circumstriatus (Disc Gyro), a rare snail occurring in ponds on Fishers Island. I I I ! ! I I I I i i I, II I I I I ! ! IV. Conservation Concerns a. Viability of Insular Populations Island biogeography has received much theoretical and applied attention in the last century. The diversity (number of species) of an island depends on several factors. 1. Influx of new species from the mainland. 2. Extinction of species from natural or anthropogenic causes 3. The size of the island and the number of habitats present 4. Distance from the mainland Comparisons vdth the past are always a little trick3., because we are unsure about the quality of the data. With Fishers Island, we are fortunate in that the historic data are generally supported with specimens: Ferguson's bird specimens and Hanmer's plant specimens. In general more species of birds now nest on Fishers Island than did a half centur3., ago. Much of this fits into the northward expansion of breeding ranges of many eastern North American birds over the last century. Hanmer and St. John together reported about 580 species of vascular plants in 1940. We have been able to relocate ail but 90 of these. On the other hand, we have added about 120 species to the island's flora. Thus, the total number of species is roughly the same, but there has been change in the composition. This, however, is expected on an island where there is a dynamic interaction between colonization and local extinction. Many species found on Fishers Island are represented by only or two populations on the island. About 70 such occurrences are within the Watershed (these species are marked § in Appendix 2). Thus, protecting the habitats and integrit.~ of natural communities within the Watershed can help maintain the species diversity of the island, a factor which may contribute to its ecological stability. b. Exotic Species Exotic species are those which are not native to our region, but are definitel.~ known to have gotten here through human acti¥5ties within historic times. The term adventive or naturalized species is used also. It can be contrasted with escaped species, which are non-native species not yet reproducing on their own. The exotic species of the watershed are not notably distinctive from those of the remainder of the island. However, the exotic plant species of Fishers Island are somewhat distinctive from those of the remainder of the state. Celasrrus orbicularus Lonicera ja?onlca Lomcera morrowit Exochorda racemosa Rosa wichuriana Rosa rugosa £leagnus angustifolia ~vl~ tlagu.~ floridanas Gambusia affinis Asiatic Bittersweet Japanese Honeysuckle Morrow's Honeysuckle Pearlsecd Memorial Rose Japanese Rose Autumn Olive Cottontail Rabbit Mosquitofish Figure 37. Ionic. era japonica (Japanese Hom3,suckle~: flowers and upper leaves (X 21. Notorious aquatic weeds, such as milfoil (M)~'iophyllum heterophyllum) established in southeastern Connecticut for two decades, and water-chestnut (Trapa natan.Q, scourge of central Ney, York. are unknown on the island and unlikely to get there. The.,, appear to get around by clinging to boat trailers. Over 150 species of non-native plants are known from the island. In view Figure 38. Gambusia affinls (Mosquitofishj: female (above) and male, both life-size. of the large number of rarities and native species it would seem that the exotics have not posed a direct threat to the diversity of the Watershed Area, especially because its wooded communities are relatively resistent to invasion by weed), plants, which generally require open sunny habitats for seedling establishment. ! I I I 1 I I I I 1 I I I I I I i c. Value to Wildlife The watershed area is of excellent overall value to wildlife, for several reasons. One of these is the 'edge effect." Wildlife is more abundant and diverse at edges between environments (cover types) than in their middles. One of the best ways to maintain or enhance wildlife is to increase the number of edges in the environment. Places with more edges support more animals and plants than monotypic communities. The diverse landscape of the Watershed area, with it miles of edges: shorelines, forest and thicket edges, roadsides, is an outstanding habitat for wildlife, although it is small in area. Mosquito control is conducted using the biological control agent Btl (Bacillus thuringensis var. israelen.vis). This procedure has negligible side effects on non-target organisms (Molloy, 1992). The fire management of Middle Farm Flats is excellent. It is done in winter so it does not disturb nesting or migrator).' birds. The fire-maintained grassland has considerable aesthetic value. It provides an excellent vista of the ocean, and in autumn the delicate rusty pink foliage of beardgrass and the yellow-brown switchgrass are a sight seen by few on the island at that time. An open grassland is a reminder of the grassland of the pre- colonial Northeast that were maintained by Indian fires (Niering, 1987). Much of the watershed area is covered by shrub thickets. These are often thought of as wasteland. However, native shrublands have indirect value far exceeding their commercial potential (Brainerd, 1973). Shrubs lose less water through transpiration than trees, of some concern in a watershed, prevent erosion, provide cover for game species and migratory birds, nesting sites for breeding birds, and can provide dense barriers between residential properties far better and less expensive to install and maintain than any fencing. Cover is an important component of wildlife habitat and takes two possible forms: escape cover and microclimatic cover. In an area like the watershed, where topographic diversity is generally slight, nearly all cover for wildlife comes from variation in the plant communities. There is adequate drinking water for wildlife, available throughout the year. Many small pojnds and swamps provide access to water without the need of leaving protective cover. The wildlife itself has many tangible benefits to human inhabitants. Birds help control mosquitoes and other troublesome insects. Thus it is desirable to maintain or enhance breeeding bird populations. Bats are seldom seen on the island. Providing roosting boxes could help to increase their numbers and similar benefit in controling insect numbers. In addition, the land has great value to community. Consider the recreational value of the ponds: fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, aesthetic values to the photographer, artist, or writer. These are substantial considerations on Fishers lsland where the economy is centered on the needs of the seasonal residents. d. Areas of Significance in the Study Area Several areas in and around the Watershed are currently maintained as preserves by the H.L. Ferguson Museum. Based on our field studies, we recommend that the following areas within the watershed area be considered as potential preserves. Each is discussed below and noted as having significance especially in terms of communities and species present. The existing preserves require limited management, mainly trail maintenance. Additional preserves would first require a biological inventory (already conducted in this study), getting legal title or easement, and posting of boundaries. Patroling would require trail maintenance and signs regarding nesting areas, such as the piping plover area at Beach Pond. Simple trails could provide access where appropriate in view of conservation concerns or educational needs. Fencing would be unnecesary, although an interpretive series of guides, such as the one writen by Sharp and Matthiessen for the Matthiessen Preserve, would be vel'), valuable for education and for increasing public awareness. For example, a loop trail could be made l~)r the northwest shore ol Barlov, Pond and the Sunken Forest. Numbered signs could be posted for such elements as the barred owl nesting tree. erratic glacial boulders, the large hickories and hackberry trees, the diversity of ferns. The trail itself would provide excellent views of Barlou. Pond. 1. Sunken Forest. Barlow Pond W end Forest on damp peat.~ soil, dominated by large red maples. Understory shrubs lacking. Abundant growth of ferns, it is one of the oldest forested areas on the island, and has a very striking appearance. 2. Barlow Pond, NW shore The best example of oak-hickory forest on the island. Contiguous with above area. Includes archeotogical site. Numerous plant species that are unknown elsewhere on the island cf. Appendix 2). The most diverse forest stand on thc island, with ten tree species (black oak, mockernut hicko~, scarlet oak, white oak, tupelo. black birch, gray birch, red maple, hackberry, sassafras). Rare species: Care,' ernmonsii (sedge). 3. Middle Farms Pond, SE shore Only stand of pitch pine forest on the island. Rare species: Helianthemum dumosum (bushy rockrose). 4. Beach Pond Barrier Beach Protects Middle Farm Flats from direct impact of storm surges, limiting salinity of Island Pond. Important as breeding bird habitat. Federally listed Piping Plover breads there successfully. The eastern part of this is currently protected as an easement to the Ferguson Museum. ! I ! i I ! I i I I I I ! I I I i i I Figure 39. Nature Preserves in the Watershed Area. Actual Preserves, all owned or managed by the Ferguson Museum are stippled; recommended additions in black. Andrle. Robert F.. & Janet R. Carroll. 1988. The Atlas of breeding birds in New York State. Ithaca, New York. xii + 551 pp. + 8 transparent overlays. Brainerd, John W. 1973. Working with Nature: A Practical Guide. 517 pp. Oxford Press, New York. Collar, N.J., & P. Andrew. 1988. Birds to watch (The ICBP world checklist of threatened birdsl. ICBP Tech. Publ. 8. xvt + 303 pp. Cambridge, England. Connor. Paul F. 1971. The mammals of Long Island, New York. New York State Museum & Science Service Bulletin 416. v + 78 pp. DeGraaf, Richard M., & Deborah D. Redis. 1984. Amphibians and reptiles of New England. 160 pp. University Press of New England, Hanover, N.H. Ferguson, H. Lee, Jr. 1962. Record of Birds of Fishers Island, Suffolk County., New York. Unpublished manuscripl at H.L Ferguson Museum. Fisher_, Island. 20 pp. Goody, in. Richard H. {ed./. 1961. Connecticut's coastal marshes: a vanishing resource. Connecticut Arboretum Bulletin I2. 36 pp. Goocl,~in. Richard H. 1991. The flora of the Burnham Brook Preserve of The Nature Conservancs_. 65 pp. Connccllcut College Studie,, in Human Ecolo~:~.' 13b. Greller. Andre~,, M 1977. A classification of mature forests on Long Island, Ney, York. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 104: 376-38,2. Haig, S.M., & L.W. Oring. 1985. Distribution and status of the Piping Plover throughout the annual cycle. Journal of Field Ornitholog) 56: 334-345. Hanmer, Charles C. 1940. Plants of Fishers Island. Torreya 40: 6%81. Hecht. Anne ted. I. 1992. 1991 status update: U.S. Atlantic Coast Piping Plover. Unpublished report. ii + 61 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region. Hehrc, E.H., Jr. 1977 The Flora of Gardiners Island. Rhodora 79: 214-239. Hill. D. E,. & A. E. Shearin. 1970. Tidal marshes o1 Connecticut and Rhode Island. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 709. 34 pp. Hunter. M.L, J. Albright, & J. Arbuckle (eds.). 1992. The amphibians and reptiles of Maine. Maine Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 838. 188 pp. Orono. Maine. Jokinen. Eileen H. 1992. The Freshwater Snails (Mollusea: Gastropoda) of New York State. New York State Museum Bulletin 482. 112 pp. Kreck, Sheppard, & Edwin H. Homing. 1975. Fishers Island Birds. H.L Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island. 4O pp. McNicholl, M.K. 1985. Profiles on risk status of Canadian birds: 2. Piping Plover. Alberta Naturalist 15(4): 135-138. I I I i I i I I i I Molloy, Daniel P. 1992. Impact of the black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) control agent Bacillus thuringensi$ var. israelcnsis on chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) and other nontarget insects: results of ten field trials. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 8(1): 24-31. Niering, William A. 1987. Vegetation dynamics (succession and climax) in relation to plant community management. Conserx'ation Biology 1: 287-295. Niering, William A., & R. S. Warren. 1980. Vegetation patterns and processes in New England salt marshes. BioScience 30: 301-307. Niering. William A., R. S. Warren, & C. G. Weymouth. 1977. Our dynamic tidal marshes: vegetation changes as revealed by peat analysis. Connecticut Arboretum Bulletin 22: 1-12. Raup, H.M. 1941. An old forest in Stonington, Connecticut. Rhodora 43: 67-71. Reschke, Carole. 1990. Ecological communities of New York State. xi + 96 pp. New York Natural Heritage Program. Latham, N.Y. Reschke, Carole. 1992. Community Triage List. 3 pp. New York Natural Heritage Program. Latham, N.Y. St. John, Harold. 1941. Additions to the flora of Fishers Island, New York. Rhodora 43: 77-82. Sharp, Penelope C., & Carey Matthiessen. 1989. Betty Matthiessen Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Guide. H.L. Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island, N.Y. 32 pp. Smith, C. La~ett. 1987. The inland fishes of New York State. New York State Dept. of Environmental Consev.'ation, Alban_~. N.Y. xi + 522 pp. Wcstveld. M 1956. Natural forest vegetation zones of New England. Journal of Forestry 54: 332-338. Young, Steven M. (ed.). 1992. New York Rare Plant Status List. New York State Dept. of Environmental Conser',ation, Latham, N.Y. viii + 78 pp. Sources for Illustrations 4. H. P. Brown. 1921. Trees of New York State, Native and Naturalized. Reprinted by Dover Publication, 1975. 5. ditto 9. A.S. Hitchcock A. Chase. 1950. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. Reprinted by Dover Publications, 1971. 10. same as 4. 12. C.B. Heltquist & G.E. Crow. 1980. Aquatic Vascular Plnats of New England: Part I. Zosteraceae, Potamogetonaceae. Zannichelliaceae, Najadaceae. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 515. 68 pp. 13. Patricia M. Kiernan, N.Y.S. Museum, unpublished 14. A_ Salazar in S.E. Clemants. 1992. Chenopodiaceae and Panamnthaceae of New York State. N.Y.S. Museum Bull. 485. 15. ditto 16. F.L. Beebe m A.F. Szczawinski & G.A. Hardy. 1967. Guide to Common Edible Plants of British Columbia. British Columbia Provincial Museum Handbook 20. 90 pp. Victoria, B.C. 17. R.S. Mitchell & C. J. Sheviak. 1981. Rare Plants of New York State. N.Y.S. Museum Bulletin '445~ 18. G.E. Crov. & C.B. Hellquist. 1983. Aquatic Vascular Plants of New England: Part 6. Trapaceae. Haloragaceae, Hippuridaceae. Ney, Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 524. 26 pp 19. same as 17 20. R. Hughes in U.S.D.A. 19'/1. Common Weeds of the United States. 21. E.T. Seton in W. H. Miller (ed.). 1916. The Outdoorsman's Handbook. Angler's Guide Co. Ne'*' York. 22. ditto 23. G.C. Tucker, unpublished 24. same as 21 26. A. Hecht (ed.i. 1992. 1991 Status Updale for U.S. Atlantic Coast Piping Plover. 63 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Newton Corner, Ma~s. 27. 28. Bird: G.C. Tucker, unpublished; holly, same as 4. 29. N.Y.S. Museum, unpublished 30. Freshwater Fishes of California. 31. Ne'~ York State Museum, unpublished 32. ditto 33. ditto 34. G. Breder. 1928. Handbook of Coastal Fishes. G. Putnam, New York 35. E.H. Jokincn. 1992. The Freshwater SnaiL, (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of New York State. New York State Museum Bulletin 482. 36. same. 37. same 38. same as 30 ! i I I I I I I I ! I I I APPENDIX 1 DATA FOR FISH COLLECTIONS Each entry below gives the following information: New York State Museum fish database number, common name, range of body length, number of individuals taken [number set aside for H.L. Ferguson Museum]. Middle Farms Pond, west shore near landing. 24 June 1991. Collectors: G.C. Tucker, E.H. Homing, J.D. Tucker, M. Bigneron & E. Bigneron 41484 Yellow Perch 18-29 mm 31 41485 Banded Killifish 47-71 mm 44 [8] ..... Pumpkinseed 2 [2] ..... Largemouth Bass 2 [2] Middle Farms Pond, east shore near landing. 25 June 1991. Collectors: Tucker & Homing 41495 Banded Killifish 27-80 mm 107 41496 Yellow Perch 18-35 mm 284 [79] 41497 Golden Shiner 23-28 mm 30 [5] Beach Pond, NW shore along channel connecting to Island Pond. 24 June 1991. Collectors: Tucker. Horning. Tucker, Bigneron & Bigneron 41486 Threespine Stickleback 22 mm 1 41487 Fourspine Stickleback 18-41 mm 12 [6[ 41488 Mummichog 23-55 mm 23 [0] 41489 Atlantic Silverside 23-50 mm 227 41490 Sheepshead Minnow 11-20 mm 8 [3] 41491 Yellow Perch 27 mm 1 Barleyfield Pond, near outlet. 25 June 1991. Collectors: Tucker & Homing 41492 Mummichog 25-33 mm 18 [6] 41493 Inland Silverside 21-62 mm 43 [7] 41494 Mosquitofish (Gambusia) 17-26 mm 34 [5] i APPENDIX 2 Vascular Plants of the Watershed Area The families are arranged in taxonomic order. Under each family the genera are listed alphabetically, under each genus the species are listed alphabetically. Each entry gives the species scientific name, common name (if there is one). flowering time, abundance on Fishers Island; habitat; localities in the watershed (and on the island, if no specimens have been taken in the watershed); literature reports, chiefly from Hanmer (1940) and St. John 11941): taxonomic synonyms in brackets. "Preceeds each species that is exotic, i.e. not native to northeastern North America. gPrec~eds each species whose onb oceurrencx~(s) on Fishers Island are within the Watershed Area LYCOPODIACEAE -- CLUB-MOSS F.~dMILY LYCOPODIUM L. Club-moss. gL. clas.atum L. Running Ground-pine. Seplember. Rare, edge of woods. NE of Barlow Pond (GCT & EHH 524& NYS). L. digitatum A. Br. Creeping Jenny. September-Oct. Woods. Brickyard Woods (GCT& EHH 5245. NYSe. {L. complanamm L.: L. flabelliforme (Fern./ Blanch.} gL. hicko'i %'. H Wagner. Beitel e'.: Moran Tree Club-mo~s. Oct-Nov. Rare. Edges of woods. E side of Turtle Pond IGCT& EHH 5995. NYS). [L, obscurum L. ','ar. isopO'llum Hickey & Beitel] L. obscurum L. Tree Club-mo,,,s. Oct-Nov. Common. Woods and thickets. Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). "S of Cla_~ Pt., dr5. oak woods, alt. 20 ft.." 21 September 1939, St. John 20058 (GHI. Brick~. ard Woods (GCT& EHH 5244, NYS). Around Turtle Pond. SE side of Barlow Pond. OPHIOGLOSSACEAL -- ADDER'S-ToNGUE FERN FAMILY BOTRYCHIUM L. Grape-Fern. gB. dissectum Spreng. Sep. Rare. Mowed grassland. E side of Turtle Pond. gB. mulzifulum (Gruel.) Rupr. Sep. Rare. Mowed grassland. E side of Turtle Pond. OSMUNDACEAE -- FLOWERING-FERN FAMILY OSMUNDA L. Flowering-fern. O. cinnamomea L. Cinnamon Fern. May. Red maple swamps. Especially plentiful in Sunken Forest. O. re. lis L. var. SlSe~abilis (Willd.l Gray Royal Fern. June. Occasional in wetlands. go. claytoniana L. Interrupted Fern. June. Rare. Edges of wetlands. Boker Doyle Preserve (GCT & EHH S372. NTS). Cla~ Pit Pond; obsev,'ed in 1990; plants destroyed by trail mowing. I t I I, i I I I i i I I i I I I POLYPODL~.CEAE -- FERN FAMILY ASPLENIUM Spleenwort. A. platyneuron (L.) Oakes Ebony Spleenwort. July. Rare, shaded roadside bank. Not previously reported. NE of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 5473, NYS). ATHYRIUM Lady-Fern. A. asplenioides (Michx.) Desv. Lady-Fern. July-August. Rare. Damp thicket. N shore of Treasure Pond (Foster Estate) (GCT. EHH, PS 5832, NYS). Whitney Estate. IA. filix-foemina, of authors] DENNSTAEDTIA Bernh. D. punctilobula (Michx.) Moore Hay-scented Fern. August. Common, woods, clearings, and edges of fields, in sun or light shade. DRYOPTERIS Adans. Wood Fern. D. carthusiana (Viii.) Fuchs Spinulose Wood Fern. Late May-Jun. Common, woods. N of Barlow Pond {GCT 519& NYS, VT). ID. spinulosa (O. F. Muell.) Watt; Aspidium spinulosum (O.F. Muell.) Sw.] ONOCLEA Sensitive Fern. O. sensibilis L. Sensitive Fern. August. Common, damp soils in full sun or light shade. Roadside near Brickyard Woods (26 May 1985, Penni Sharp. HLF). POLYST1CHUM Roth §P. acrostichoides (Michx.) Schot! Christmas Fern. Jun-August. Rare. Woods. "Rare, one station known for 45 >'ears, another found in 1935" (Hanmer 1940). Brickyard Woods, just W of Clay Pit Pond (GCT5212, NYS). N side of Barlov, Pond. W side of Sunken Forest. Each population consists of fewer than ten plants. PTERIDIUM Bracken. P. aquilinum L. Bracken. June. Clearings in well drained soil. Matthiessen Preserve. Scarce on Fishers Island. THELYPTERIS Schmidel T. palustris var. pubescens (Lawson) Fern. Marsh Fern. August. Common, marshes, swamps, pond shores. §T. simulata (Davenp.) Nieuwl. Massachusetts Fern. Jul-August. Rare. Damp woods. Brickyard Woods in small beech grove W of Brick2..,ard Pond (discovered by Wm. R. Linke, Jr. in 1978). WOODWARDIA Sm. W. areolata (L.) Moore Netted Chain Fern. Jul-August. "Fairly common in swamps" (Hanmer 1940). Brick3'ard Woods (GCT 5215, NYS). Plentiful in Sunken Forest. [Lorinseria areolata (L.) Presl] GYMNOSPERMS PINACEAE - PINE F..~VIILY P1NUS L. Pine. §P. r/g/da Mill. Pitch Pine; ~Yellow pine;" "C, andlewood." Early May. Dr)' woods. Between Middle Farms Pond and Treasure Pond. JUNIPERUS L. Juniper. ~l. communia L. Pasture Juniper. Rare. Woods. SE end of Chippy's Pond (EHH, obs.); one large shrub. J. virginiana L. Redcedar. "Juniper." Apr-May Occasional. Open woods and thickets. MONOCOTYLEDONS TYPIIACEAE -- CAT-TAIL F,~MILY TYPHA L. Cattail. T. angustifolia L. Narrow-leaved Cat-tail. June. Common, edges of coastal marshes, T. latifolia L. Cat-tail June. Common, marshes, ponds. "Not as common as narrov,-leaved cattail" (Hanmer, 1940~. PO'I?d',~OGETONACEAE - EEL-ORASS FAMILY POTAMOGETON L Pondweed. §P. pulcher Tuckerm. June. Shallow water of ponds. Rare. Small pond at Matthiessen Preserve on Island Pond. about ten plants present (GCT& EHH 6174, NYS). RARE IN NEg' YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK SHI. P. pu~illus L. Shallow water of ponds. Rare. Clay Pit Pond (GCT& EHH 6586, NYSi. RUPPIACE.M5 ~ DITCH-GRASS FAMILY RUPP1A L. Ditch-gras~. R. mar/lirtm L. Ditch-grass. May-July. Frequent. Shallow brackish water. Ocean Pond [Island Pond] (8 Jub 1970, Harkins 664, HLF). Island Pond narrows (OCT & EHH 5548, NYS). I I I i I I I i I I ! i ! I 1 I 1 I JUNCAGINACEAE -- ARROW-GR&SS FAMILY TRIGLOCHIN L. Arrow-grass. T. maritimum L. Arrow-grass. July. Common, salt marshes. Salt marsh (9 September 191'7, Hanmer, CONN). Tidal marsh on N side of Beach Pond. NAIAS L. 3,'. gracillima (A. Br.) Magnus 6585, NYS). NAIADACEAE -- NALa, D FAMILY Slender Naiad. Rare. Shallow water of ponds. Clay Pit Pond (GCT & EHH POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) -- GRASS FAMILY AGROSTIS L. Bent-grass. *.4. gigantea Roth Redtop. Common. Roadsides, meadows, open thickets. [.4. alba of authors, nol L.] .4. perennans IWalt.) Tuckerm. Upland Bent-grass. Common, oak woods. Whitney Estate (GCT& EHH 5455. Nb'S). 'A. stolonifera L. Grasslands. lsland Pond, SE shore (GCT & EHH 5552, 5554, NYS). *A. tenuis Sibth. Creeping Bent-grass. July-August. Grasslands. Island Pond, SE shore (GCT& EHH 5602, NYSe. AIRA L. *A. praecox L. Springs. May-Jun. Plentiful along paths and roads. Matthiessen Preserve (GCT 5199, NYS); Two AMMOPHILA Host A. breviligulata Fern. Dune Grass. Late July-early August. Frequent along the shore where it forms pure stands on dunes. Beach S of Beach Pond. ANDROPOGON L. Bluestem. [Excl. Schizach3rium Nees] A. virginic~ L. Bluestem. August-September. Common, grasslands. Middle Farm Bats. ANTHOXANTHUM L. *A. odoratum L. Sweet Vernal Grass. (May-) June. Common, roadsides, lawns, and paths. Probably the commonest grass on the island: common also throughout study area. Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5456, NYS). CALAMAG ROSTIS Adans. C. canadensis (Michx.) Nutt. Reed Bent-grass. Frequent, wet meadows and edges of swamps. SW side of Middle Farms Pond. DANTHONIA DC. D. spicata (L.) P.-Beauv. Poverty Grass. Jun-Jul. Frequent, open disturbed soil. Skeet Range (GeT & EHH, obs.). Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5450. NYS). Airport (GCT & EHH 6100, NYS). DESCHAMPSIA Hairgrass. D. fleauosa (L.) Trin. Frequent. Oak woods. Brick2,.'ard Woods North [Boker Doyle Preserve] (GCT& EHH 5494, NYS). DIGIT.,~RIA Hall. Crabgrass. *D. sanguinali* IL.) Stop. Jul,x-August Roadsides, grasslands, and gardens. Gravel pit I11 September 1990. EHH, NYS). Middle Farm Flats. DIST1CHLIS Raf. D. spicata IL.) Greene Spike Grass. Tidal marshes and shores of brackish ponds. Common/Hanmer. 1940) N shore of Beach Pond. Money Pond (GCT& EHH 578J, NYS). ECHINOCHLOA P. Beau,.'. Barn.'.ard Gra%. *E. crusgalli (L.I P.-Beauv. Uun-) Jul-August. Roadsides ditches and pond shores. Pond N of Turtle Pond. ELYMUS L. Wild Rye. Rye-grass. E. virginicus L. Late July-August. Common. Dunes and shoreline thickets. Island Pond, SE corner (GCT& EHH 5551. NYSe. ELYTRIGiA [Agrop?on, in small part] *E. repens (L.) Nevski Quack-grass, Witch-grass, 'Dog-grass.' Late Jun-early August. Common, disturbed soils. pastures, gardens, and roadsides; a bad weed. [Agrop3. ron repens (L.) Beaux'.; formapilosum (Scribn. i Fern.] ERAGROSTIS Wolf Love-grass; Tumble-grass. *E. curvula Steudel Weeping Lovegrass. Rare. Paths and fields. East End Bluff (GCT& EHH5790, NYS). Williamson's Place on north shore (GCT & EHH 581L BH, NYS). Not reported previously. I I I t I I I 1 I I I i i I I 1 I ! E. spectabilis Pursh Purple Lovegrass. August. Sandy roadsides. Middle Farm Flats. FESTUCA L. Fescue-grass. F. ovina L. Sheep-rescue. Common, dr)' grasslands and roadsides. GLYCER1A R. Br. Manna-grass; Fowl Water-grass. G. obtusa (Muhl.) Trin. Occasional, wet grasslands and shores of ponds, frequently growing in shallow water. Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 5527, NYS). G. striata (Lam.) Hitchc. Brick3,ard Woods. SE corner of Barlow Pond. HOLCUS L., nom. cons. *H. lanatus L. Velvet Grass. Occasional or frequent, grasslands and shaded roadsides. Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5447, NYS). LEERSIA Cut-grass. §L. oryzoides (L./ Sw. August. Rare. Pond shores. Wellfield Pond. LOLIUM L. Rye-grass. Tares. *L. perenne L. Perennial Rye-grass. Occasional, disturbed soils and lawns. Commonly sold in commercial lawn MUHLENBERGIA Schreb. Drop-seed Grass. M. schreberi Gmelin Nimble-Will. September. Rare. Edges of lawns and shaded roadsides. E. side of Barlow Pond iGCT & EHH. obs.). Wilderness Point (GCT& EHH 6884, NYS). PANICUM L. Panic-grass. [Incl. Dichanthelium (Hitchc. & Chase) Gould] P. acuminatum Sw. July-August. Rare. Dry sandy banks. SE of Grassy Pond (GCT & EHH 5585, NYS). Middlefarm Hill at Four Corners (EHH 91-5, NYS). [P. microcarpon Muhl.l P. capillare L. Common, roadsides, fields, and disturbed soils. East End Bluff (GCT & EHH 5786, NYS). P. clandestinum L. Deer-tongue Grass. Goose-Tongue. Common, roadsides and disturbed soils. P. columbianum Scril~n. var. o,'/co/a (Hitchc. & Chase) Fern. June. Common, dry fields and roadsides. P. dichotomiflorum Michx. var. dichotomiflorum. Occasional, moist partly sunny soil, especially shores of ponds. Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5793, NYS). Walsh Park (GCT, EHH & PCS 5820, NYS). P. lanuginosum Ell. June. Grasslands. Middle Farm Flats (GCT & EHH 6125, NYS). P. mer/d/ona/e ,.-~he var. mer/d/ona/e. July-September. Occasional. Grasslands. Middle Farm Flats (GCT ~ EHH 6124. NYS). P. oh~osanthes var. scribnerianum (Nash) Fern. Jun-September. Frequent, roadsides and other dry, open places [P. scribnerianum Nash] P. virgatum L. Switch Grass. Grasslands burned or mowed annually, and upper edges of brackish marsh. Middle Farm Flats, abundant. PHLEUM L. *P. praterage L. Timothy. Herds-grass. Jun (-August.). Frequent. Roadsides. Fishers Island (20 July 1917. Hanmer. CONN). PHRAGMITES Adans. P. australis lC, ax'.) Trin. ex Steud. Common Reed; Reed Grass; "Pampas gras~." Common. sunny soil iusuall_~ wet). marshes, ditche_,, and edges of brackish marshes, indicating influx of freshwater. "Common. Fort Meadow" Hanmer (1940). "Open swamp. West End" (Hanmer. 7 September 1931. CONN). N edge of Beach Pond ~GCZ EHH & PCS 5848. NYS). POA L. Meadow-grass. Bluegrass. *P. annua L. Annual Bluegrass. Common, cultivated ground, lawns, and waste places. West Harbor (GCT 5189. NYS}. Fort Wright (GCT5229, NYS}. *P. compressa L. Canada Bluegrass. Jun-Jul. Roadsides and thickets. Old Landing (GCT& EHH 5426. NYS I. *P. pratensis L. Meadov, Blucgra,,. Rare. Sandy soil. E end of airport (GCT & EHH 5986, MICH, NYS). SCHiZACHYRIUM Nees S. scoparium {Michx.) Nash Little Btuestem. Broomsedge. Dr3,' fields and roadsides. Dominant over much of Middle Farm Flats. The dr)' leaves and culms lend an attractive rusty brown hue to roadsides and dr),' grasslands during late fall and early winter, [.dndropogon scoparius Michx.] SETARIA P. Beaux'. Foxtail. *S. pumila (Poir.) Schult. Yellow Foxtail. Late July-early August. Grasslands and roadsides. SPARTINA Schreb. Cord-grass. Salt-meadow grass. S. alterniflora Loisel. Cord-grass. Brackish marshes and shores. Scattered around Island Pond and Beach Pond. S. pa/ens (Alt.) Muhl. High-water grass. Brackish marsh at N side Beach Pond. Ocean Pond [Island Pond] (8 I I I I i I I I I I i i I I I I I i July 1970, Harkins 664, HLF). TORREYOCHLOA Church §T. pallida (Torr.) Church Manna-grass. July-August. Rare. Shaded peaty shores of ponds. NE shore or' Chipps's Pond (Boker Doyle Preserve) (GCT & EHH 6613, NYS). Foster Pond. CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY BL LBOSTh LIS Kunth B. capillaris (L.) Kunth ex C.B. Clarke Railroad Sedge. Rare. Well drained sandy roadsides. N of Barlow Pond {GCT & EHH 5474, NYS). CAREX L. Sedge. §C. alata T. & G. Jun-Jul. Swamps. Rafferty's Swamp (R. Zaremba, report; GCT& EHH5607, NYS). R,qRE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S2). §C. blanda Dewe.~ May. Open woods, loamy soils. N of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 5195, NYS). C. cephalo#hora Muhl. Frequent. Grasslands. Middle Farm Flats (GCT & EHH 6122, NYS). C. crinita Lam. May-Jun. Swamps. Rafferty's Swamp (GCT& EHH5255, NYS). Reported by Hanmer (1940). C. emmonsii Dewey May. Open woods, dry. slopes, sandy soil. Wilderness Point (GCT 5208, 5208.4, NYS). Frequent around Barlov, Pond. R.~[ iN NE~: YORK STATE (NYNHP R~qK S2). §C. gracilescens Steudel Max'. Open woods. N of Barlow Pond (GCT & EHH 525171, NYS). C. Iongii Mack. Rare. Well drained open soil. N of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 5469, NYS). §C. muhlenbergii Schk. Dr).' places in oak woods. N of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 5468, NYS). §C. pensylvanica Lam. Rare. Open woods. S side of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 5915, MICH, NYS). §C. radiala (Wahl.} Small June. Rare, shaded lawn. Laughlin Estate on N shore of Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 6164. NYS). C. stipata Muhl. May-Jun. Swamps and marshes. Rafferty's Swamp (GCT& EHH 5255, NYS). C. stricta Lam. Tussock-sedge. May. Wetlands. Wilderness Point Bog (GCT5207,4, NYS). Rafferty's Swamp. C. swanii (Fern.) Mackz. Grasslands and well-drained oak woods. Middle Farm Flats (GCT & EHH 6123, NYS). C. virescens Muhl. June. Rare. Oak woods. N side of Laughlin Estate on Middle Farm Pond (GCT & EHH 6163, NYS) CLADIUM C. raariscoides (Muhl.) Torr. Twig-Rush. July-August. Brackish shores. N side of Beach Pond (P. Sharp & L Mehrhoff, obscr-,'ation). CYPERUS L. Flat-sedge. C. denlatu~ Torr. August. "Common." Hanmer (1940), but now e'ddently less common than other Cyperus not found by Hanmer. "Rocky. shore of freshwater pond" (Hanmer, 05 September 1908, CONN). "Margin of pond~ (Hanmer, 24 August 1913, CONN). "Sandy shores" (A. W. Evans, July 1916, MT, and August 1916, YU). Middle Farm Pond, at landing ( 11 September 1990, EHH. NYS). NW shore of Island Pond GCT& EHH 6398, NYSi C. diandru~ Tort. August-September. Common. Shores of brackish ponds. South Beach Pond (GCT & EHH 5745, NYSI. Shores of Island Pond. C. esculentu,~ L. August-September. Common. Between sand dunes and a weed of cultivated soils. Reported b? Hanmer 11940~. Corn field at Middle Farm Flats. Chippy's Pond Outlet. Barleyfield Outlet (GCT& EHH 5LqO]. NYS}. C. filicinus Vahl August-September. Common. Shores of brackish or fresh ponds. Money Pond (GCT& EHH 5792. NYS). SE Shores of Island Pond and Beach Pond. C. tupulinu$ ISpreng. i B. Marc-ks subsp, macilentu$ (Fern..) B. Marcks July-August. Common. D~' roadsides. field_.,, and beaches. W of Mount Prospect (GCT & EHH 5484, NYS). [C filiculnus ','at. macilenms Fern.] C. odoratus L. August-September. Common, shores of brackish ponds. N shore of Beach Pond (GCT. EHH & PCS 5845, NYS}. Chippy's Pond outlet. RARE IN NE"~ YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S2S3/. C. strigosu~ [_. July-September. Open moist or dr).' places. S. edge of Middle Farm Flats. NW shore of Island Pond. Chipp.x'_,, Pond Outlet. ELEOCHARIS R.Br. Spikerush. E. acicularis IL. ) R. & S. Jul5-August. Muddy pond shores or submersed in shallow water. Middle Farm Pond (GCT & EHH 5505, NYS). Chippy's Pond. E. intermedia .]uly-August. Fresh or brackish shores. Wellfield Pond, abundant. Chippy's Pond, N end, scarce. E. olivacea Torrey July-August. Brackish or fresh, muddy shores. Middle Farm Pond (OCT & EHH 5515. NYSI. FIMBRISTYL1S Sedge. Fimbry. F. auturanali.~ (L.) R. & S. August-September. Brackish shores. Island Pond. Muddy Pond (GCT & EHH 5576. NYS). I I I I 1 I I I I I I i I I I I I i FUIRENA Rottb. Umbrella-Grass. §F. pumila (Tom) Spreng. August. "Found only once." (Hanmer, 1940). N shore of Beach Pond (GCT & EHH 5842, NYS, TRTE). RHYNCHOSPORA Beaked Rush. R. capitelhua (Ivlichx.) Vahl July-August. Damp peaty soil. SE side of Island Pond (GCT & EHH 5550, NYS). SCIRPUS Bulrush. S. cyperinus (L.) Kunth Wool-grass. July-August. Wetlands. South Beach (GCT & EHH 5533, NYS). S. pun~n~ Vahl Chairmaker's Rush. July-August. Fresh or brackish shores or marshes. West shore of Middle Farm Pond. Brackish marsh at N shore of Beach Pond. Rafferty's Marsh (GCT & EHH 5611, NYS). IS. antericanus, misapplied.] S. robustta Pursh Salt-marsh Bulrush. July. Brackish marshes. 'Fairly common." (Hanmer, 1940). Barleyfield Pond (GCT & EHH 5800, Nh'S). Rafferty's Marsh. ARACEAE -- ARUM FAMILY ARISAEMA Jack-in-the-pulpit. A. triphyllum (L.) Schott May. Red maple swamps. Brickyard Woods (GCT5216, NYS). PELTANDRA P. virginica (L.) Schott & Endl. A~'row-AJ'um. Tuckahoe. June. Marshes and streams. Chippy's Pond, at outlet (GCT & EHH 8377. NYS). Grass Pond (GCT & EHH 8337, NYS). SYMPLOCARPUS Skunk-cabbage. S. foetidus (L.) Nutt. Skunk-cabbage. March. Red maple swamps. Swamp by Guard House. Brickyard Woods. LEMNACEAE -- DUCKWEED FAMILY LEMNA Duck~'eed. L. minor L. Lesser Duckweed. Common. Ponds. "Stagnant water near the brick yard' (Weatherby 737, CONN). Middle Farms Pond (GCT& EHH 5508, NYS). Chippy's Pond (GCT& EHH 5496, NYS). WOLFFIA Water-Meal. W. brasiliensis Weald. Uncommon. Ponds. Turtle Pond. Barleyfield Pond (GCT& EHH 5601, NYS). Duck Pond (GCT & EHH 6611, NYS). RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S2). XYRIDACEAE -- YELLOW-EYED GRASS FAMILY XYRIS Yello'a,-eyed Grass. ~X. diffortnis Chapm. Late July-August. Rare. Mucky pond shores. Barlow Pond (27 August 1940, Hanmer. BKL). Middle Farms Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH 5521. NHA, NYS). [AS caroliniana Walt.I COMMELINACEAE -- DAYFLOWER FAMILY COMMELINA L, Dayflower. C. communis L. July-September. 'Very common." Reported by Hanmer (1940) who did not distinguish the varieties, both of which are found on the island. var. communis. Foster Estate, NW shore of Treasure Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5831, NYSi. var. ludens IMiq. I C.B. Clarke. SE of Grassy Pond (GCT& EHH5578. NYSi. N shore of Barlov, Pond, along road. JUNCACE?d: -- I~USH FAMILY JUNCUS Rush. J. bufonius L. Jub. Common (Hanmer, 1940). "Wet sand along shore" (Jansson, 25 July 1932, CONN I. J. effusta L. July-August. Open wetlands. Middle Farms Ditch. Rafferty's Swamp. J. gerardii Loisel. Black-grass. June-July. Upper edges of salt marshes. Common (Hanmer, 1940~. Shores of Island Pond and Beach Pond. Hungry Point (GCT & EHH 5445, NYS). J. greenei Oakes & Tuckerm. July. Sunn.~. well drained sandy places. Plentiful at Middle Farm Flats ~1. militari5 BigeL Bayonet-Rush. August. Shallow muddy water. Middle Farms Pond (GCT& EHH 5504, NYS ~. d. pelocarpu~ Mev. August-September. Muddy pond shores. Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 5506, NYS). LUZULA Wood Rush. L. campestris var, multiflora (Retz.) Celak. May. Oak woods; also shaded lawns. Ferguson Museum pond (GCT 5205. Nh'S). N shore of Barlow Pond. IL. multiflora (Retz.) Lejeune] LILIACEAE - LILY F.affdlLY ASPARAGUS L. *A. officinali~ L. Wild Asparagus. June. "Occurs around salt water shores.' (Hanmer. 1940). E side of Island Pond. I I I I i I I I I I I I i I I ! I t CONVALLARIA 'C. majalis -- Lil>-of-the-Valley. Early Ma5,. Roadsides, woods, and damp grasslands. NE side of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH 6396, NYS). LIL1UM L. Lily. L. superbum L. Turk's-Cap Lily. July. 'Common in some swamps, but is being crowded out.' (Hanmer, 1940). Brickyard Woods. MAiANTHEMUM M. canadense Desf. Wild Lily-of-the-Valley. May. 'Very common.' (Hanmer, 1940). One of the commonest species in oak forests of the watershed. MEDEOLA M. virginiana L. Indian Cucumber-root. June. Oak or beech woods. N shore of Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 6161. NYSL W side of Chippy's Pond (GCT & EHH, obs.). SMILACINA S. racemosa (L.) Desf. May. Thickets. E end of Treasure Pond (GCT & EHH, obs.). S. stelkua IL.) Desf. May. Grasslands and along paths and roadsides. NW and W side of Middle Farm Pond. Matthie~sen Preserve ~GCT 5201. NYS). SMILAX Brier. S. glauca Walt. Cat-brier. June. Shrub thickets. Common. [var. leurophylla Blake] S. rotundifolia L. Bull-brier. June. Forms dense patches in woods or on roadsides. Large dense population on N corner of Barlow Pond. UVULARIA U. sessilifolia Sessile-leaved Bellwort. Wild Oats. Early June. Oak Woods. Brickyard Woods (GCT & EHH, obs.). N side of Middle Farm Pond. IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY IRIS L. Iris. I. versicolor L. Large Blue Flag. June-July. Frequent. Wetlands and pond shores. SISIRHYNCH1UM Blue-eyed Grass. S. allanticum Bickn. June-July. Fields. Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5436, NYS). Middle Farm Flats ORCHIDACEAE -- ORCHID F.,~VIILY SPIRANTHES Ladies-tresses. S. vernalis Engelm. & Gray August. Dry.' grasslands. Fishers Island (29 August 1889, Graves, CCNL). DD' pasture (20 August 1905, Hanmer, CONN). Dry. fields (August 1916. Evans. YU). Dr5. field (2 September 1905, Hanmer, CONN). Fishers Island (10 August 1938, E.K Hanmer. CONN). In addition to these abundant records, three plants were observed at Middle farm Flats, about 100 m S of the landing on the W shore ol Middle Farm Pond. RARE IN NEW YORK ST.aTE (NYNHP ILM,~K SI). DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS SALICACE.~E -- WILLO~ F..MMILY POPUkUS k. Poplar. P. grandidenlata Mickx. Big-toothed Poplar. Roadsides, and thickets. Ha:, Harbor (GCT 5219, N'YS). Skeel Range tGCT & EHH obi,.}. Matthiessen Preser,.e. Reported by St. John (19411 but not Hanmer 119401. P. tremuloides Miclxx. Quaking .~pen. Disturbed gravelly roadside. Hay Harbor (GCT5223. NYS). Reported by St. John (1941} but not Hanmer (1940). SALIX L. Willox~. S. nigra Marsh. Black 'Willow. Late Ma.',. Pond shores and damp meadows. Cta) Pits Pond (GCT5235, CAN, NYSI: Barlex Field Pond {GCT & EHH 5257. CAN, NYSI. Barlov, Pond b.~ Water Works. M'r RICACE.M2 -- W..~x-MYRTLE FAMILY COMPTONIA C. peregrina (L.) Coult. Sweet Fern. May. Reported by St. John (19411 but not Hanmer (1940h MYRICA M. pensylvanica Loisel. Bayberry. May. Plentiful. Dunes and open sandy or gravelly places. Shores of Island Pond. I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I JUGLANDACEAE -- WALNUT FAMILY CARYA Hicko~'. C. tomenlosa (Poir.)Nutt. Mockernul. Late May. Oak-hickory woods. N of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH5250, NYS). JUGLANS Walnut. ~I. cinerea L. Butternut. May Woods. Middle Farm Pond, NW shore. BETULACEAE -- BIRCH FAI'dlLY ALNUS Alder. A. incana subsp, rugosa (DuRoi) Clausen Hazel-Alder. May. Shores of Barlow, Island, Middle Farm Ponds. BETULA Birch. §B. alleghaniensis Britton Yellow Birch. BrickTard Woods; the only site on the island. B. lenta L. Black Birch. Middle Farms Pond, SE shore (GCT 5236, NYS). S end of Chippy's Pond. N side of Barlow Pond. N edge of Sunken Forest. B. populifolia Marsh. Gray Birch. Old Field Birch. Few trees in Oak-Hickory woods on N shore ow Barlow Pond. Matthiessen Preserve. FAGACEAE -- BEECH FAMILY FAGUS Beech. F. grandifolia Ehrh. Beech. Scarce. Forming small pure stands in oak woods. Matthiessen Preserve. S. end of Chippy's Pond. Brick-..'ard Woods; SE shore of Middle Farms Pond; N shore of Middle Farms Pond. QUERCUS L. Oak. Q. alba L. White Oak. Woods and fields. Walsh Park (GCT 5228, NYS). N side of Barlow Pond. Q. coccinea Muenchh. Scarlet Oak. Apr. Frequent. Oak woods. SE side of Middle Farms Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5838, NYS). Brick.ward Woods (Boker Doyle Preserve). Q. velutina Lam. Black Oak. May. Common in woods throughout the watershed. "Fishers Island" (Hanmer, 7 September 1934, in fruit, CONN); (16 September 1935, Hanmer, in fruit, BKL). Walsh Park (GCT 5225, NYSI. Reported by St. John (1941; who found it in 1920) but not Hanmer (1940). URTICACEAE -- NETILE FAMILY BOEHMERIA B. cylindrica (L) Sw. False-Nettle. July. Occasional. Marshes, fresh or slightly brackish. Rafferty's Marsh (GCT & EHH 5608, NYS). PILEA Clearweed. P. pumila (L.) Gray July-August. Rare. Lov, damp woods (22 September 1935, Hanmer 1683, BKL). Bric~,ard Wood~. URTICA Nettle. ',Lt. dh>ica L. Stinging Nettle. Rare. Thickets. SE corner of Middle Farm Pond. ULMACE?d:: -- ELM FAMILY CELTIS Hackber~. §C. occidenlalis L. Ma.',. Occasional. Open woods. Hollow N of Island Pond. a single tree 10 m tall, with characteristic "wart.,," hark IGCT & EHH 5460. NYS). S and W sides of Sunken Forest. Several large trees on S side of Sunken Forest. Two small trees S of Water Works. One large tree by end of Grey Gulls Rd. POLYGONACEAE - KNOTC,~ED FAMILY POLYGONELLA P. articulata I L.I Meisn. Jointv, eed. July-August. Sandy hollo',,,' at Middle Farm Hill. POLYGONUM Smartweed. Knotweed. *P. avenastrum Bor. July-August. Common. Roadsides in hard packed soil. *P. cespitosum '.'ar. Iongisetum (DeBruyn) Stewart July-August. Frequent. Shaded roadsides. Brick3'ard Woods North IGCT & EHH 5493, NYS}. P. hydropiperoides Michx. Water-pepper. July-September. Brackish or fresh shores. Walsh Park Pond (GCT. EHH & PCS 5822. NYS). Wellfield Pond. Matthiessen Preserve. P. o#elousanum Ridd. ex Small August-September. Damp fresh water strand (22 September 1940, Hanmer. BKL/. P. pen&.'lvanicum L. July-September. Common. Beaches and ponds. Wellfield Pond. Money Pond (GCT& EHH 5557, NYS). P. punctatum var. confertiflorum July-August. Shore of ponds. NW shore of Island Pond (GCT & EHH 6399, NYSI. P. scandens L. Climbing False Buckwheat. 'var. dutnetorum (L.I Gleason August-September. Common. South Beach (GCT& EHH 5738, NYS). [P. dumetorum L.] I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I ,i i I var. scandens Common (Hanmer, 1940). Rocky sea beach (28 August 1929, Hanmer 1742, BKL). West End, rock), soil (7 September 1931, Hanmer 1762, BKL). RUMEX *R. acetose//a L. Sheep Sorrel. May. Common. Well drained fields and roadsides. Middle Farm Flats. R. allissimus A. Wood. Tall Dock. July-August. Scarce, disturbed places. 'Damp open [place]" (6 August 1934, Hanmer, CONN). Roadside near Williamson's Place. R. rnaritimus L. var.fueginu~ (Phil.) Dus~n Golden Dock. Late July-early August. Beach Pond (R. Zaremba, reported in 1985; GCT & EHH 5841, NYS). RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S1). CHENOPODIACEAE -- PIGWEED FAMILY ATRIPLEX Orache, A. patula L. Seaside Orache. Jub-early September. Common. Upper edges of beaches and tidal marshes. Shores of Beach Pond. [.-t. parma var. hastata (L.) Gray] CHENOPODIUM Lamb's-Quarters. C. album L. July-September. Common. Roadsides and cultivated soils. *C. ambrosioides L. Mexican Tea. August-September. Common. Beaches and disturbed ground. "Field" (Hanmer 1795, 20 September 1929, BKL, NYS). C. rubrurn L. Red Pigweed. Coast Blite. Late July-August. "Common on sea beaches." (Hanmer, 1940). Sea beach (26 August 1905. Hanmer, CONN). Beach at S side of Beach Pond. East End (GCT & EHH 5774, BKL, NYSi. Barle.~field Outlet. RAR[ ~N NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP R.~qK SH). Only extant sites in New York State. §C. stricture Roth vat. glaucophyllum (Aellen) Wahl Pigweed. August-October. Roadside bordering woods. NW of Brickyard Pond near entrance to Grey Gulls (GCT& EHH2928, BKL, NYS). RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP SI). SALICORNIA L. Glasswort. Saltwort. S. europaea L. Annual Glasswort. Brackish marshes. Buckner's Marsh. IS. virginica L.] S. perennis Miller Perennial Glasswort. August. Brackish marshes. Beach Pond. SALSOLA L. *S./az//L. Russian Thistle. July-September. Occasional on sea beaches (Hanmer, 1940). Beach S of Beach Pond. SUAEDA Forsskfil Sea-blite. S. linearis (Ell.) Moq. Southern Sea-Blite. August. Brackish marshes. Outlet of Beach Pond. PHYTOLACCACEAE -- Po~ FAMILY PHYTOLACCA P. ,diner/edna L. Pokeweed. PigeonberD'. June-August. Common, disturbed soil and roadsides. CARYOPHYLLACEAE -- PINK FAMILY CERASTIUM Chicloa,eed. *C. fonlanum Baumg. subsp, triviale (Link) Jalas May-Sept. Common. Disturbed soil. [C. vulgatam L.] MOEHRINGIA Sandwort. ~qrenaria, in part] M. lalerifiora IL.} Fcnzl Grove Sandwort. Late May-June. Common. Thickets and open oak woods. Brickyard Woods IGCT 5202. NYS I. [Arenaria lateriflora L.] SAGINA Pearly, orr. *S. procumbens L. May-Jun. Damp places along the shore. Ferry parking lot (GCT5202, NYS). Two Springs on Chocomount Co'.e. Matthiessen Pre,ep.'c. SAPONAR1A *S. offwinalis L. Bouncing-Bet. Soapwort. August-October. Common on roadsides SCLERANTHUS *S. annum L. German Knotgrass. Common. roadsides, parking lots. "Sand,',' soil" (Hanmer 1860, 13 August 1929. NTSI. West Harbor (GCT 5190. NYS}. SILENE Campion. *S. tatifolia Poir. White Campion. June-August. {Lychni$ alba Mill.; S. Mba (Mill.} Krause] Roadsides and grassland. "Common" tHanmer, 1940) SPERGULA Spurrey. *S. arvensis L. Corn Spurrey. July. Rare. Shady roadsides. Barlow Pond just N of Water Works (GCT & EHH 6111. NYS). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SPERGULARIA S. marina (L.) Griseb. and Beach Pond. Spurrey. Sand Spurrey. July-September. Fairly common around brackish ponds. Island Pond STELLARIA Stitchwort. Chickweed. *S. med/a (L.) Viii. (not Cyril). Common Chickweed. April-May. Common. Disturbed soils. MOLLUGINACEAE -- CARPETWEED FAMILY MOLLUGO *M. verticillata L. Carpetweed. July-early September. Common in cultivated soil (Hanmer, 1940). Middle Farm Flats. PORTULACA 'P. oleracea L. PORTULACACEAE -- PORTULACA FAMILY Purslane. Pussle.~. Common (Hanmer, 1940). Weed of gardens and sandy roadsides. NYMPHAEACEAE -- WATER-LILY FAMILY NUPHAR Yellow Water-Lily. N. luleum subsp, variegaZum (Durand) Beal Large Yellow Water-Lily. 'Common, at least in Barlow Pond.' (Hanmer. 194(I); still frequent there. Middle Farms Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH 5520, NYS). [Nymphaea adt'ena .,kit.] NYMPHAEA White Water-Lily. §N. odorata White Water-lily. Pond Lily. Jun-August. Uncommon. Shallow water of ponds. Middle Farms Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH 5501, NYS). RANUNCULACEAE -- BUTI~ERCUP FAMILY CLEMATIS *C. ternifiora DC. Yam-leaf Clematis. August-September. 'Escaped freely" (Hanmer, 1940). Presently common and widespread on the island. Thickets at N end of Middle Farm Flats. Stony Beach (GCT& EHH 5762, BH, NYS). RARE ESCAPE IN NEW YORK STATE (Mitchell 1986). [C. paniculata Thunb.] RANUNCULUS Buttercup. Crowfoot. *R. acr/s L. Tall Buttercup. June. Grasslands. Common. 'R. bulbosus L. Bulbous Buttercup. May-Jun. Common. Grasslands and roadsides. West Harbor (GCT5178, R. micranthus Nutt. Small.flowered Buttercup. May. On rock (24 Jun 1924, Latham 6169, NYS). P,~,,RE IN NEW YORK STATE INYNHP IL~24K SI). THALICTRUM Meadow,Rue. T. pubescens Pursh June. Common in meadows. Damp places in grasslands. Middle (GCT & EHH 5435, NYS). [7~ pol3gamum Muhl.] Farm Flats. Skeet Range BERBERIDACEAE -- BARBERRY F.-U,4ILY BERBERIS BarberD. *B. thunbergii L. Japanese Barberp,'. Not known to Hanmer or St. John. Rare, oak woods. Whitney F. stale (GCT & EHH 5465. NYS). Probably present in the watershed area. LAURACEAE -- BAY FAMILY SASSAFRAS S. albidum (Nutt.) Nces Sassafras. "Occasional. Common on South Dumpling Island." (Hanmer, 1940). Brictg'ard Woods (GCT & EHH 5243, NYS). SW side of Middle Farms Pond. CRUCIFERAE - MUSTARD FAMILY ALLIARIA 'A. petiolala IL.) Cay. & Grande Garlic-Mustard. May. Uncommon. Roadsides. A recent adventive. Hawks Nest Point (GCT5193. MO, NYSI. N side of Middle Farm Flats. ARABIDOPSIS *.4. thaliana (L.) Heynh. Mouse-ear Cress. Ma). Plentiful. Roadsides, lawns. Two Springs (GCT 5175, MO, NYS). BARBAREA Wintercress. *B. vulgaris R.Br. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. West Harbor (GCT5183, NYS). I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CAPSELLA *C. bursa-pastori~ {L.) Medicus Shepherd's-Purse. Common. Roadsides. CARDAMINE 'C. hirsuta L. HaiD' Rock Cress. Early May. Disturbed sandy soil. West Harbor by Elec. Co. Bldg. (GCT 5187. MO. NYS). N side of Middle farm Flats. A RARE ADVENTIVE IN NEW YORK STATE. ERYSIMUM *E. perofskianum Fisch. & C. A. Me),. Wallflower. Rare. Weed of gardens and lawns. Middle Farms (GCT 5237, MO, NYS). A garden escape. NOT PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS AN ESCAPE IN NEW YORg STATE. LEPIDIUM Pepper-Grass. L. virginicum L. Pepper-Grass. Common. Roadsides. Road to Airport (GCT 5231, MO, NYS). RAPH.-kNUS Radish. *R. raphani, vtrum L. Wild Radish. Charlock. Common on beaches and roadsides. Old Landing (GCT& EHH 5421, NYS ~. SISIMBRIUM Tower-Mustard. *S. o, OTcinale ,,'ar. leiocarpum DC. Bank-Cress. 'Occasional.' (Hanmer, 1940). DROSERACEAE -- SUNDEW FPdVlILY DROSERA Sundew. §D. rotundifolia L. Round-leaved Sundew. Pond shores. Middle Farms Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH5507, NYS). ROSACEAE -- ROSE FAMILY AGRIMONIA Agrimony. A. gr.'posepala Wallr. Late July-August. Along paths in woods. Brickyard Woods (EHH, 27 August 1990, NYS). AMELANCHIER Shad-Bush. Juneberry. Serviceberry. ~4. arborea (Michx. ill.) Fern. var. taev/s (Wieg.) Ahles Smooth Shad-Bush. Early May. Middle Farms Pond (GCT 5238, HLF, NYS). Not reported by Hanmer or St. John. [,4. laevis Wieg.] .4. canadensis (L.) Medicus Mid May. Brickyard Woods. [4. oblongifolia (T. & G.) Roem.] ARONIA Chokeber~'. .4. arbutifolia (L.) L.fil. Red Chokeberi3,. Common. Thickets and roadsides. Rafferty's Swamp. (GCT& EHH 5252, NYS). }/:?us arburifolia (L.) L. ill.} .4. me/a/un:at'pa (Michx.) Ell. Black Chokeber~'. Common. Thickets. [Pyrus melanocarpa (Michx.) Willd.] FRAGAR IA Strawberr,. F. virginiana Dcne. Wild Strawberry. May-early June. Common. Grasslands. thickets, and roadsides. POTENTILLA Cinquefoil. P. anserina L. subsp, pacifica (Hov,'ell) Rousi Silver-weed. 'Common on sea beaches.' (Hanmer. 1940). R?d~,E IN NEY* XFORK S~.-XTE (NYNHP RANK S2). [P. pactfica Howell.} 'P. norvegica L. subsp, monspeliensis (L.) Aschers. & Graebn. Three-leaf Cinquefoil. Rough Cinquefoil. "Occasional." (Hanmer, 194(I). [P. monspeliensis '.'ar. norvegica (L.) Rydb.] *P. recta L. Sulfur Cinquefoil. "Fairly well established." (Hanmer, 19401. P. simplex Micb..x. Old-f~eld Cinquefoil. Reported b.,, St. John (1941; who found it in 1920). PRUNUS Cheep,.. Plum. P. serotina Ehrh. Black Chert. June. "Probably the commonest tree" (Hanmer, 1940). Major component of shrub thicket.,,. Scattered in oak v, oods. ROSA L. Rose. Iq. carolina L. Carolina Rose. Juls'. "Probabl3 thc commonest rose" IHanmer, 1940). Thickets and roadsides. *R. rugosa Thunb. Japanese Beach Rose. July. "A well established escape" (Hanmer, 1940). Thickets and upper edges of beache~,. R. virginiana Mill. Wild Rose. Pasture Rose. July. Common. Shrub thickets and roadsides. *R. wichuriana Crtpin Memorial Rose. Late July-early August. Thickets and upper edges of beaches. Skeet Range (GCT& EHH 5441, NYS). Wilderness Point (GCT, EHH & PCS 5873, NYS). Beach at Treasure Pond. RUBUS L. BlackberP:'. Dewberr2,.. Raspberry. R. allegheniensis Porter ex Bailey Highbush Blackberry. Late Jun-early July. Occasional, thickets. Dumpling Island (Harkins 944. NYS). Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5432, NYS). South I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I R. hispidus L. Swamp Dewberry. Running Blackberry. June. Common. Oak woods. Matthiessen Preserve. Whitney Estate {GCT & EHH 5446, 5462, NYS). R. pensilvanicus Poir. ex Lam. July. Openings in thickets. Skeet Range (GCT& EHH 5438, NYS). Matthiessen Presep. e. *R. phoenicolo, xiva Maxim. Wineberry. July. Frequent, roadsides and thickets. N of Barlow Pond (GCT& EHH .5467, NYS). First observed on Fishers Island about 1980. FABACEAE - LEGUME FAMILY APIOS A. americana Medicus Ground-Nut. "Fairly common." (Hanmer, 1940). Shore of freshwater pond (5 September 1908. ff.. Hanmer, CONN). Climbing on dead stumps around pond (13 August 1906, Hanmer, CONN). Not found by us in the study area, although common around the airport at the west end of the island. CORONILLA *C. varia L. Crown-vetch. July-September. Uncommon, thickets and roadsides. Stoney Beach (GCT& EHH 5766. NYS). LATHYRLIS Peri. L. japonicus ',~,'lld. Beach-Pea. Very common along shore. (Hanmer, 1940). Beach south of Beach Pond. South Beach (GCT & EHH 5538, NYS). [L. maritimus Bigel.] LESPEDEZA L. capitata Michx. Bush-clover. Common. "Open field" (Hanmer 2757, 1 September 1929, NYS). Frequent at Middle Farm Flats. MELILOTUS Sweet Clover. *M. alga Desr. ex Lam. White Sweet Clover. July. August. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. *M. officinali~ (L.) Pallas Yellow Sweet Clover. July-August. Infrequent. Roadsides and grasslands. "Not as common as M. alba." (Hanmer, 1940). ROBINIA Locust. *R. pseudo-acacia L. Black Locust. June. "A common tree." (Hanmer, 1940). Forms several small stands in the study area, notably on the north and northwest sides of Middle Farms Pond. STROPHOSTYLES S. helvula (L.) Ell. Trailing Wild Bean. Common around shore. "Grass, flesh water pond~ (Hanmer 2810. 30 Augusl 1929, BKL., NYS). Rafferty's Marsh (GCT& EHH 5612, NYS). [~S. helvola (L.) Britton~} TR1FOLIUM Clover. *tr. ar~ense L. Rabbit's-foot Clover. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. Middle Farm Flats. *T. aureum Pollich Yellow Clover. Hop Clover. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. [Z agranurn L., nom. ambig.} *T. pratense L. Red Clover. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. *T. repens L. White Clover. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. VICIA Vetch. cracca L. Cow %'etch. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. saliva L. ~ub.~p. nigra (L.) Ehrh. Common Vetch. June-July. Occasional. Roadsides and grasslands. an,~st(foha (L. ~ Reich.: l~ angustifolia var. segetali5 (Thuill.) Koch] OX_~LIDACEAE -- OX_,kLIS FAMILY OX.&LIS *0. cornicukaa L. Creeping Sorrel. Lady's Sorrel. Ma?October. Frequent. Sandy roadsides. Wesl Harbor by Elec. Co. Bldg. (GCT 5184, NYS). Not reported by Hanmer. A rare alien species in New York State and in Ney, England. Reported from Gardiner's Island by Hehre (1977). [O. repens Thunb.] *0. stricta L. Yellow Sorrc[. Common. Edges of thickets. Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5559, NYS}. [O. europaea Jordan] GERANIACE.~E -- GER_~NIUM GERANIUM Crane's-Bill. Geranium. G. maculatum L. Wild Geranium. Late May. Frequent. Grasslands and roadsides. Old Parade Ground (GCT 5233, NYS). S1MAROUBACEAE -- QU?,.SSlA FAMILY AILANTHUS *A. altissima (Mill.) Swingle Tree-of-Heaven. July. "One large colony and some scattered trees" (Hanmer. 1940). A few trees by Water Works Building. I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I POLYGALACEAE -- MILKWORT FAMILY POLYGALA Milkwort. P. po/ygama Walt. Racemed Milkwort. July-August. 'Fairly common.' (Hanmer, 1940). Fort Pond (GCT& EHH 5418, NYS). Middle Farm Flats (GCT & EHH 6407, NYS). EUPHORBIACEAE -- SPURGE FAMILY ACALYPHA Three-seeded Mercury ,4. virginica L. July-August. Occasional, edges of lawns in shade. CHAMAESYCE Creeping Spurge. [Euphorbia subgenus Chamaesyce ] C, maculata (L.) Small Spotted Spurge. July-Sept. Common. Beaches and gravel driveways. 'Fishers Island, beach" IGraves. 11 August 1895, CCNL). Two Springs (GCT, EHH & PCS 5830, NYS). Foster Estate (GCT, EHH & PCS 5834, NYS). [Euphorbia maculata L.] Cpolygoni. folia (L.) Small Seaside Spurge. July-Sept. Common on sea beaches. (Hanmer, 1940). Stony Beach ~GCT & EHH 5769. NYS). South Beach (GCT & EHH 5537, 5748, NYS). Two Springs (GCT, EHH & PCS 5828, NYS). [E. poh.'gonifolia L.] CALLITRICHACE.~E -- WATER-STARWORT FAMILY C. ]wteropbylla Pursh June-Oct. Muddy shores or dried out ponds. Pool N of Middle Farm Pond (GCT& EHH 61(x'L NYSI. Wellfield Pond, very' plentiful. Chippy's Pond, scarce. ANACARD1ACEAE - CASHEW FAMILY RHUS Sumac. R. copallina L. Dwarf Sumac. June-July. Common. Burned grassland and edges of beaches. Middle Farm Flats. R. glabra L. Smooth Sumac. July. Frequent. Shrub thickets. "commoner than R. copallina" (Hanmer, 1940). R. o'phina L. Staghorn Sumac. June. Common. Roadsides and thickets. TOXICODENDRON [Rhus, in part[ T. radicans (L.) Kuntze Poison Ivy. June. Common. Roadsides, beaches, various open places. "Too abundant' (Hanmer, 1940). AOUIFOLIACEAE -- HOLLY FAMILY 1LEX Holly'. §I. opaca Soland ex .,kit. American Holly. June. Rare. Damp woods. Middle Farms Pond, on tree on south shore of peninsula off west side (GCT, obs.). Not mentioned by Hanmer. 1. verticillata (L.) Gray Winterberry. Black-Alder. Deciduous Holly. June. Frequent, woOds, wooded swamps. and shrub swamps. var. pox/go/m (Willd.) T. & G. Swamp. Brickyard Woods North (GCT& EHH 5499, NYS). var. tenuifolia (Tort.) S. Wats. Reported by St. John (1941; who found it in 1920). NEMOPANTHUS §N. mucronatu~ (L.) Trel. Mountain-Holly. Brickberry. May. Uncommon. Wooded Swamps. Swamp at north edge of BrickTard Woods at SE corner of Chippy's Pond (GCT& EHH 5247, BH, HLF, NYS). Not known to Hanmer or St. John. CELASTRACEAE -- STA~.~- 1F, EE FAMILY CELASTRUS Biltersv, eet. *C. orbieul~ta Thunb. Asiatic Bittersweet. Late Ma.,,-early June. Common. Various open habitats. EUONYMUS Staff-tree. *E. alata {Thunb.) Sieb. Winged Spindle-tree. June. Thickets. Evidently a recent introduction to the island's flora. Wilderness Point Path (GCT, EHH & PCS 5871, NYS). ACERACEAE -- MAPLE FAMILY ACER Maple. *A. platanoides L. Norway Maple. IMa.,,. Escaped from cultivation to thicket>. Scarce in the watershed: a few tree> at N end of Middle Farm Flats. Walsh Park IGCT 5224, NYS). 'A. pseudo-plaZanus L. Sycamore-Maple. Ma.,,. "A sturdy well established tree probably originally planted." (Hanmer. 19401. In the last half century, il has become widely naturalized in thickets and woods around West End of the Island. West Harbor (GCT 518], NYS). In the watershed area, there are a few trees just NE of Middlc Farm Flat:,. a. rubrum L. Red Maple. Swamp Maple. Earl.,, Apr. Common. Swamps and oak forests. Brickyard Woods (GCT & EHH 5241, NYS). BALSAMINACEAE -- TOUCH-ME-NOT FAMILY IMPATIENS Jewelweed. Touch-Me-Not. L capens/~ Meerb. Spotted Touch-Me-Not. July-August. Common. Wetlands and pond shores. RHAMNACEAE -- BUCKTHORN FAMILY I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FRANGULA Alder-Buckthorn. [Rhamnus, in small part] *F. a/nus Mill. Late May. Common. Open woods and thickets. Walsh Park (GCT5218, NYS). Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5434, NYS). East shore of West Harbor (GCT & EHH, obs.). SE corner of Barlow Pond. [Rhamnus frangula L.] VITACI::AE -- (JRAPE FAMILYV PARTHENOCISSUS P. quinquefolia (L.) Planch. ex DC. Woodbine. Virginia Creeper. July. Common. Thickets and roadsides. VIT1S Grape. Wild Grape. V. labrusca L. Fox Grape. Common. June. Roadside thickets. ~Moist thicket edge. These fruits white, others reddish" (16 September 1935, Hanmer, CONN). Shores of Barlow Pond. MALV.qCEAE - MALLOW FAMILY HIBISCUS H. moscheutos L. Rose-Mallow. Swamp-Rose. Marsh-Mallow. July-August. Shores of brackish ponds and borders of tidal marshes; also freshwater shores. Patterson's Pond (GCT& EHH 5854, BKL, NYS). MALVA *M. rotundifolia L. Low Mallow. "Cheeses." July-August. Common. Cornfield at Middle Farm Flats. TILIACE.~E -- LINDEN F.advlILY TILiA Linden. Basswood. §T. americana L. American Linden. Basswood. July. Rare. Oak woods. Matthiessen Preserve. *T. cordata Linden. July. Rare. Thickets and woods. NE shore of Middle Farms Pond. North Shore near Brooks Point (GCT & EHH 6403, NYS). ELATINACEAE -- WATERWORT FAMILY ELATINE Waterwort. E. minima (Nutt.) Fisch. & Mey. Late July-August. Shallow fresh water with sandy bottom. East shore of Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 5511, NYS). CLUSIACEAE - MANGOSTEEN FAMILY I-~'PERICUM Saint John's-Wort. H. canadense L. 'Common around lake shores." (Hanmer, 1940). H. g~mianoides (L.) B.S.P. Orange-Grass. Pineweed. August. Common. "Dry rocky, soil' (HanKer 3113, 30 August 1929, NYS). Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5431, NYS). Matthiessen Prese~'e. H. mutilum L. Dwarf St. John's-Wort. subsp, boreale (Britton) Gillett July. Damp pond shores. Muddy Pond (GCT & EHH 5575, NYS). [H. boreale (Britt.) Bickn.] subsp, mutilurn Common. IH. mutilum var. parviflorum (Willd.) Fern.] *H. perforatum L. July-August. Mowed grasslands. 'Probably the commonest species.' (HanKer, 1940). H. punctatutn Lam. July-August. Oak woods. Boker Doyle Preserve (GCT& EHH 5497, NYS). Wilderness Point (GCT, EHH & PCS 5866, NYS). TRIADENUM Marsh Saint John's-Wort. Pink Saint John's-Wort. T. virginicum (L.I Raf. July-August. Wet sunny places, in fresh or slightly brackish soils. 'Fairly common." (Hanmer, 1940). Around pond (18 August 1905, Hanmer, CONN). Sphagnum bog (15 August 1935, Hanmer, CONN,. Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 552,1, NYS). Beach Pond (GCT. EHH & PCS 5846 (BKL. NYSi Patterson's Pond (GCT & EHH 5852, BKL, NYS). CISTACEAE -- ROCKROSE FAMILY HELIANTHEMUM Frostweed. Rockrose. H. bicknellii Fern. Jul,.. Well drained clearing~. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). Matthiessen Preserve H. dumosum (Bickn.~ Fern. Bush.,.' Rockrose. Ma,.. Rare. Edges of woods. SE side of Middle Farms Pond (GCT. EHH & PCS 5,539. 5,~'4tl. BKLi. R:'m.E Ir-, NE'~s YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S2~. HUDSONIA ti. tomemosa Nutt. Poverty-Grass. False-Heather. June. "Very common on sand dunes." (Hanmer, 1940). Sand dune IAugust 1916, Evans, YU). Sandy soil (~0 June 1931, Ha~mer, CONN). Middle Farm Hill at Four Corners (EHH & GCT~. Dunes N of Mud Pond (EHH & GCT). LECHEA Pinweed. L. maritima Leggett ex B.S.P. Beach Pinweed. Jun-Jul. Fairly common. Sandy open grasslands. 'Grass land" (Hanmer 3140, 31 August 1929, NYS). L. minor L. Thyme-leaved Pinweed. Jun-Jul. Fairly common. Sandy soil. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ELEAGNACEAE -- OLEASTER FAMILY ELEAGNUS Autumn-Olive. Russian-Olive. *E. angusti/olia L. Late May. Abundant in open areas on the west end of the island. This has recently become a nuisance weedy shrub, rapidly colonizing open ground on the mainland. Apparently the introduction can be traced to plantings along the newly constructed Interstate 95 through southeastern Connecticut and Route 1 in southern Rhode Island made about 1965 (Glenn Dreyer, Connecticut College Arboretum, Personal communication). VIOLACEAE -- VIOLET FAMILY VIOLA Violet. V. fimbria~ula Sm. Northern Downy Violet. May-June. Well drained clearings. Matthiessen Preserve. I.: maclosko'i Lloyd subsp, pallens (Banks ex DC.) M. Baker Pale Violet. Late April-early May. Damp woods. Reported t,.~ St. John (1941; found in 1920) but not Hanmer (1940). Brickyard Woods (GCT$214, NYS). [V. pallens (Banks) Brainerd] V. sororia Willd. Common Violet. Marsh Blue Violet. Common. Flounder In (GCT$170, N/S). Brickyard Woods. [/d cucullata /kit.; V. papilionacea Pursh] LYTHRACEAE -- LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY DECODON D. verticillatu~ {L.) Ell. Water-Willow. Swamp Loosestrife. July. Shallow water surrounding all freshwater pon&, of watershed. "Common around some ponds." (Hanmer, 1940). Strand of fresh water pond (30 August 1929, Hanmer, BKL). LYTHRUM *L. salicaria L. Purple Loosestrife. July-September. "Have found only one plant (1935).' (Hanmer, 1940). Open thicket (21 Jul,,' 1935, Hanmer, BKL). We have seen one or two plants only at two places. Barleyfield Outlet IGCT& EHH5603, NYS). Walsh Park Pond (GCT, EHH & P.C. Sharp, obs.). Rafferty's Swamp (GCT & EHH, obs.). ONAGRACEAE -- EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY CIRCAEA Enchanter's Nightshade. ¢. bacteria L. subsp, canaden~ (L.) Ascherson & Magnus Common Enchanter's Nightshade. Reported by St. John (1941; found in 1920) but not Hanmer (1940). Low damp woods (22 September 1935, fr., Hanmer, BKL). Wooded ridge on W side of Sunken Forest (GCT& EHH6128, NYS). lC. latifolia Hill] EPILOBIUM Fireweed. E. coloratura Biehler Purple-leaved Fireweed. Occasional. (Hanmer, 1940). Shady woods (29 September 1932, Hanmer 3236, BKL). Freshwater strand (16 August and 7 September 1932, 9 September 193& Hanmer, BKL). LUDWIGIA Water-Purslane. L. pahtstrts (L.) Ell. July-August. Occasional. Muddy shores (23 August 1933, Hanmer, BKL; 3 September 1935, Hanmer, BKL). Middle Farms Pond (GCT& EHH 5526, NYS). [var. americana (DC.) Fern. & Grisc.I OENOTHERA Evening-Primrose. O. biennts L. Common Evening-Primrose. June-July. Common. Roadsides and grasslands. H.~LORAGACEA~ -- WATER-M[LFOIL FAMILY MYRIOPHYLLUM Water-Milfoil. No species mentioned by Hanmer. 3I. humile (Raf.) Morong August. In ponds in water to 50 cm deep. Turtle Pond (GCT & EHH). M. pinnalum (Walt.) BSP. Green Parrot's-Feather. Ponds. Muddy Pond (GCT& EHH 5573, NHA, NYS). The population at Muddy Pond was destroyed by salt water flooding of the pond by the hurricane of 19 August 1991: the following population is now the only one in lhe state. Treasure Pond IGCT. EHH & PCS 5837, NHA. NYS'i. RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK SH). APIACEAE - CARROT F.adqlLY ANGELICA {Coclopleunml Ledeb.] A. lucida L. Seaside Angelica. Jun-Jul. Frequent. Along shore between thickets and high tide limit. First found b.,, A. W. Evan~ in 1916 at 'west end of island" (Evans, 1917). 'Thickets near beach' (Jul 1916, fl. + fr, Evans, YU I. Not reported by Hanmer (1940) although collected by him. 'Open, near coasff (Hanmer, 6 August t934, BKL. CONN; 2 Jun 1935, Hanmer, BKL). 'Open thicket, high ground' (Hanmer, 24 August 1940, BKL, CONN). 'Open thicket" (Hanmer 3330, 22 Jun 1941. leaf only, 10 July 1941, flowers. 13 August 1941, mature fruits, three sheets, NYS). Occurs at Two Springs, Chocomount Cove (GCT, obs.); North shore by Money Pond (GCT & EHH, obs.); Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5463, NYS). North Hill (GCT & EHH, obs. j. Brooks Point (GCT & EHH 6404, NYS). North shore of the Peninsula (OCT & EHH, obs.). South Dumpling Island (Harkins 947, NYS). At southern limit of range. RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP rank SI). lC. luc~dum (L.) Fermi CICUTA Water-Hemlock. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I C. bulbifera L. Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). C. rnaculata L. Common in swamps. (Hanmar, 1940). DAUCUS Carrot. D. carota L. August. Queen Anne's Lace. Wild Carrot. 'Too common.' (Hanmar, 1940). Mowed grasslands and roadsides. HERACLEUM Cow-Parsnip. H. lanatum Michx. June. Grasslands. Open thicket (6 Jun 1942, Hanmer 3345, BKL). Race Point (GCT & EHH. obs.); Muddy Pond (OCT & EHH, obs.). West Harbor, Sharp Site (GCT & EHH 5999, NYS). Not reported b5 Hanmer or St. John. HYDROCOTYLE Water-penny,~'ort. H. umbellata L. Rare. Shallow water and on mud. 'Growing among rocks, pond' (23 July 1940, Hanmer3351, BKL). Middle Farms Pond, south cove (GCT & EHH 5513, NYS and 5516, BH, HLF, NYS). Turtle Pond (GCT & EHH, obs.). R..,w,E IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S1). PTILIMNIUM P. capillaceum (Mich_x.} Raf. Mock Bishop-Weed. ~Rare." (Hanmar, 1940). Has evidently increased in abundance; found in several slightly brackish marshes. Island Pond (GCT & EHH 5553, NYS). CORNACEAE -- DOGWOOD FAMILY CORNUS Dogv, ood. C. amomurn Mill. SilkD' Dogwood. June-July. Occasional. Shores of ponds. N','SS^CI:AE - TUPELO FAMILY NYSSA Tupelo. Black Gum. N. sylvatica Marsh. Tupelo. Black Gum. Pepperidge. "Common in most of the swamps." (Hanmar, 1940). CLETHRACEAE -- PEPPERBUSH FAMILY CLETHRA Sweet Pepperbush. C. alnifolia L. Late July-early August. Shrub swamps. Common. 'Swamps' (August 1916, fl.,Evans, YU). Dr), thicket (10-15 August 1920, St. John 2844, GH). The flowers have a strong, sweet odor and the whole island smells of pepperbush in late July. ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY CHIMAPHILA Pipsissewa. C. rnacul~ua (L.) Pursh Pipsissewa. Spotted Wintergreen. July. Woods. "Two stations known.' (Hanmer, 1940). Shad.'. v. ood~ (29 September 1932, fr., Hanmer, BKL). DO' woods (23 Jub 1933, Hanmer. BKL}. Brick~'ard Woods Boker Doyle Prc~er~e (GCT & EHH. ob~.l. GAYLUSSACIA H uckleberp:,. t7. baccata (Wang.) Koch Common Hucldeber~,. May. Open areas, swamps, and woods. 'Fairly common.' (Hanmer, 1940). North Hill (GCT 5227, NYS). G. frondosa (L.) Tort. & Gray ex Tort. Dangleberr~. Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). Swamp (10-15 August 1920. St. John 2849, GHI. Middle Farms Pond, peninsula on west shore (GCT, obs. I. Bnckxard ~,Voo&, North iGCT & EHH, ohs0. KALM IA Laurel. K. angustifolia L. Sheep Laurel. June. Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). Swamp (10-15 Augu,;t 1920. Sr. John 2853. GH}. Skeet Range (EHH, obs.). §K. latifolia L. Mountain Laurel. Rare. Woods. Edge of Chippy's Pond (EHH obs.). LYONIA MaleberD. L. ligu~trina (Ld DC. MaleberD. July. Frequent. Ti~ickets, open woods, pond shores, and shrub swamps. Shore of freshwater pond (5 September 1908, Hanmer. CONN). Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5439, NYS1. Mauhies~,en Preserve. MONOTROPA L. Indian-Pipe. M. hypopiO's L. Pine-Drops. August. Rare, woods. Woods (4 September 1938, Hanmer, BKL). N side ol Barlow Pond (GCT 5196, NYS). Not reported by Hanmer or St. John. M. uniflora L. Indian-Pipe. August. Woods. HeaW rich woods (27 September 1936, Hanmer, BKL). Not reported by Hanmer. RHODODENDRON Azalea. Rhododendron. R. vi$cosum (L.) Tom Swamp Azalea. 'Wild Honeysuckle.' 'Common in swamps." (Hanmer, 1940). Also reported by St. John (1941; found in 1939) who thought Hanmer did not have it. Brickyard Woods North (GCT& EHH 5498. NYS). VACCINIUM Blueberry. Cranbem'. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I E angustifolium Lowbush Blueberry. Early May. Rare, open oak woods. Peninsula on W shore of Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 6406, NYS). V. corymbosum L. Highbush Blueberry. 'Common in swamps.' (Hanmer, 1940). Also in open woods, clearings, edges of ponds. Wilderness Point Bog (GCT 5196, NYS). E pallidum AJt. Lowbush Blueberry. Mid-May. Rare, Oak-pitch pine woods. Bluff at SE corner of Middle Farm Pond (GCT, EHH & E.E. Lamont 6606, NYS). PLUMBAGINACEAE -- LEADWORT FAMILY LIMONIUM L. carolinianum (Walt.) Britton Sea-Lavender. August. 'Common along shore.' (Hanmer, 1940). Salt marsh, Barleyfield Cove (10.15 August 1920, St. John 2874, GH). N shore of Beach Pond. PRIMULACE.~:: -- PRIMROSE FAMILY ANAGALLIS Pimpernel. 'A. arvensis L. Scarlet Pimpernel. Poor-Man's Weatherglass. August-September. 'Occasional.' (Hanmer, 1940l. Lawn. edge of flor, er bed (28 Jun 1929, Hanmer 3512, BKL). Open sandy swamp (23 August 1933, Hanmcr 3512. BKL} Pimpernell Pond (GCT & EHH 5795, NYS). LYSIMACHIA Loose,~trife. [Incl. S/eu'onema ] L. quadrifolia L. Whorled Loosestrife. Jun-Jul. ~Fairly common.' (Hanmer, 19.i0). Dry thicket (10-15 August 1921). St. John 28'2, GH). Grassland (1 Jul.',' 1931, Hanmer 3524, BKL). Damp meadow (21 July 1935, Hanmer, L. terrestris (L.) B.S.P. Swamp-Candles. July-August. ~Occasional in swamps.~ (Hanmer, 1940). Moist grassland (11 Jul)' 1929. Hanmer. BKL). Open thicket (21 July 1935, Hanmer, BKL). E of East Harbor, muddy pond shore, alt. 30 ft. (21 September 1939, St. John 20079, GH). Middlefarms Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH 5518, NYSI. L. producta (Gray) Fern. August. Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer (1940). Dry thicket (10-15 August 1920, St. John 20094, GH; checked by T. Cooperrider & Brockett, 1970). [Hybrid ofL. quadrifolia and L. terresrris.] L. hybrida Michx. Lance-leaved Loosestrife. Reported hy Hanmer (1940). Not located by us. PO, P,E IS NEW YORK ST.~,TE (NYNHP R~tt4K SI). IS. lanceolamm (Walt.) Oray] SAMOLUS S. valerandi Water-Pimpernel. July-September. Shores of brackish ponds. Ocean Pond [Island Pond] (8 July 1970, Harkins 665, HLF). IS. parviflorus.] TRIENTALIS Star-flower. T. borealis RaL Star-flower. Mid-May. "OccasionaF (Hanmer, 1940). Now a common species of woods on the island, often carpeting the ground to exclusion of other species. Low woods (27 May 1930, Hanrner, BKL). OLEACEAE -- OLP, q5 FAMILY LIGUSTRUM Privet. L. obtvaifolium Sieb. & Zucc. Privet. May. Thickets and swamps. Frequent. Boker Doyle Preserve (GCT & EHH 6113, NYS). GENTIANACEAt~ -- GENTI.,~q FAIvlIL'~ BARTONiA Screw-Stem §B. paniculata (Michx. I Muhl. July-August. Rare, shrub fen in sphagnum. Middlefarms Pond, south cove iGCT & EHH 5525, NYS). B. virginica (L.) B.S.P. July-August. Uncommon. Damp thickets. Skeet Range (GCT & EHH 5430, NYS). "Occasional" (Hanmer, 1940). ,'M>OCYNACEAE -- DOG[lANE FAMILY CYN2d'4CHU M 'C. nigrum {L.) Pets. Black Swallov~wort. July-August. Frequent. Roadsides and thickets. Homing Residence (ob~.~. Foster Estate lawn. Thickets around Mtiddle Farm Flat.~. E end of airport (11 September 1990, EHH. NYSi. ASCLEPIADACE.M: -- MILKWEED FAMILY ASCLEPIAS Milkx~eed. `4. incarnata var. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Pets. Swamp Milkweed. Common. Middle Farms Pond, near landing (GCT & EHH 5510, NYS). 14th Hole Fen (GCT & EHH 5591, NYS). ,4. s).'riaca L. Common Milkweed. "The commonest Milkxveed." (Hanmer, 1940). A. tuberosa L. var. interior (Woodson) Shinners Butterfly-weed. Orange Milkweed. July-August. Well drained grasslands. 'Fairly common." (Hanmer, 1940). Middle Farm Flats (GCT & EHH 5556, NYS). CONWOLVULACEAE -- MORNING-GLORY FAMILY CALYSTEGIA Bindweed. [Convolvulus L., in part] C. sepium (L. I R.Br. subsp, araericanum (Sims) Brummitt Hedge Bindweed. July-Oct. Common. Open places. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I l Mone) Pond (GCT & EHH 5794, NYS). [Convolvulus sepium L.; Convolvulus sepium var. pubescens (Gray) Fern.] CUSCUTA Dodder. C. gronovii Willd. August-September. Damp places. 'A fairly common parasite.' (Hanmer, 1940). Walsh Park (GCT, EHH & PCS 5821, NYS). Hawks Nest Point (GCT & EHH 5859, NYS). VERBENACE.ME-- VERBENA FAMILY PHRYMA L. §P. leptostachya L. Lopseed. Late Jun-early Jul)'. Rare. Woods. Wooded ridge on W side of Sunken Forest (GCT & EHH 6127, NYS). VERBENA Verbena. Vervain. *}5 bracteata Lag. & Rodr. Prostrate Vervain. Late Jun-Jul. Cracks in pavement. Airport (EHH, 21 Jun 1990, NYS A54461. Gravel road on W side of Middle Farm Pond. V. ha~tata L. Blue Vervain. "Fairly common.' (Hanmer, 1940). Shores of ponds and roadsides. Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5570, NYS). L.adVIIACEAE -- MINT F.aAMILY LYCOPUS Bugleweed. Water-Horehound. L. americant~* Muhl. ex Bart. July-August. Marshes and brackish shores. Common (Hanmer, 1940). Fort Meadows (GCT & EHH 5416, NYS). Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5562, NYS). South Beach (GCT & EHH 5530. NYSI. L. uniflorm Michx. July-August. Marshes and pond shores. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). PRUNELLA Self-Heal. P. vulgaris L. Jul},'. Uncommon. Shaded roadside. Middle Farm Pond (GCT & EHH 6165, NYS). SCUTELLARIA Skullcap. S, galericulata L. Common Skullcap. July. Fairly common. Open or shaded wetlands. Wet thicket (10-15 August 1920, St. John 2893, OH). Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5453, NYS). Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5568, NYS). [$. cpilobiifolia Hamilt.] S. lateriflora L. Mad-dog Skullcap. Jul-Aug. Open wetlands. Fairly common. TEUCRtUM Germander. T. canadense L. American Germander. Common. Upper edges of marshes. Whitney Estate (GCT & EHH 5400. NYS). 'Stony beach' IHanmer 3898, 19 August 1937, NYS). [Incl. var. linorale (Bickn.) Fern.] TRICHOSTEMA Blue-Curls. T. dichotomum L. August. Common (Hanmer, 1940). Burned grassland and roadsides. SOL.~'qACEAE -- NIGHTSI-L-kDE FAMIL~ DATURA Thorn-Apple. D. ~tramonium L. Purple Thorn-apple. July-August. Common. Upper edges of beaches. Old Landing (GCT & EHH 5420, NYS). SOL,adqUM Nightshade. S. carolinense L. Horse-Nettle. Julycarly September. "Open grassland' (Hanmer, 12 July 1934, CONN and 23 September 1934. CONN). Middle Farm Flats. *S. dulcamarel L. Bittersweet. Nightshade. Common. Fort Meadow (27 Jun 1929, fl., Hanmer 3939, BKL, and 7 August 1929, fr., Hanmer 3939. BICL). Middle Farms Pond at Landing (GCT & EHH 5500, NYSb S. po'chanlhum Dunal cx DC. Black Nightshade. Common. Flower garden (14 August 1929, Hannler 3942, BKL). [S. mgnml L., misapplied.] SCROPHULARIACE.-~E -- FIGWORT FAMILY AGALINIS Purple False-Foxglove. .4. purpurea (L.I Pennell Common (Hanmer, 1940). 'Moist land, fresh water pond~ (Hanmer 3989, 17 September 1939. NYS). [Gerardia purpurea L.] LIMOSELLA Mudwort, gL. australis R.Br. July-August. Muddy brackish or fresh shores. First reported by Burnham & Latham (1925). who cited a specimen from South Beach Pond (15 September 1891, Zabriskie 743, BKL, GH). 'Common" I I I I I I I (Hanmer, 1940). Pond shore (16 August 1918, Hanmer, CONN). Sandy strand of barrier beach pond (9 July 1932, Weatherby & Hanmer, GH). Nov,' known only from SE corner of Island Pond (GCT & EHH 5549, NYS). IL. aquatica var. tenuifolia (Wolf) Pers.] LINARIA Toadflax. L. canadensis IL.) Dum. Blue Toadflax. Common (Hanmer, 1940). 'L. vulgaris Mill. Yellow Toadflax. Butter-and-Eggs. Common (Hanmer, 1940). LINDERNIA False-Pimpernel. [llysanthes ] L. dubia IL.) Pennelt var. anagat//dea (Michx.) Cooperrider Muddy shores of ponds. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). Middle Farms Pond, south co',e (GCT & EHH 5528, NYS). Fairway Pond (GCT & EHH 5587, NYS). Nitze's Pond IGCT & EHH 5849, BKL, NYS). IL. anagalhdea (Michx.) Robins.] I i I I VERBASCUM Mullein. *E thapsus L. Common Mullein. July-August. Common (Hanmer, 1940). roadsides and disturbed soils. VERONICA Speedy,ell. E peregrina L. Neck'-weed. Purslane-Speedwell. June-August. ',ar. peregrina. Common (Hanmer, 1940). Old Landing (GCT& EHH 6003, NYS). '.'ar. xalapensi.~/H.B.K.I St. John & Warren. Rare. Disturbed shaded soil. North Hill (GCT& EHH5991, NYSi. SW of island Pond. RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK SI). LENTIBULAR1ACEAE -- BL..~DDERWORT FAMILY I I UTRICULARIA Bladderwort. §U. geminiscapa Benj. Rare. Ditches and shrub sv,,amps. July-August. "Found once in 1920" (Hanmer, 1940). "Fishers Island" (Hanmer 29 Jub, 1920, CONN). Foster's Pond (GCT& EHH 8352, NYS). I I I I OROBANCHACEAE -- BROOM-RAPE FAMILY EPIFAGUS Beechdrops. E. virginiana IL.) Bart. August-September. Several stations. Under beeches (Hanmer, 1940). Under beech trees (18 sep 1932, Hanmer, BKL). Matthiessen Preserve (obs.). PLANTAGINACE.~E -- PL.~'~TAIN F,-~vllLY PLANTAGO Plantain. *P. aristata Michx. RattaiI Plantain. July-August. Common in sandy localities (Hanmer, 1940). Sound Lab (GCT & EHH 5481. NYS). P. maritima L. subsp, juncoMes (Lam.) Hult~n Seaside Plantain. Tidal marshes. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). Peninsula (GCT, EHH & PCS 5863, NYS). Buckner's Marsh. RARE IN NEY,' YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK S2). [P. decipiens Barneoudl *P. lanceolala L. English Plantain. Ribgrass. Common. Roadsides. *P. major L. Common Plantain. Damp or shaded disturbed ~oil. Not as common as P. rugelii (Hanmer, 1940). Whitney Estate (GCT& EHH 5464, NYS). P. rugelii Dcne. Pale Plantain. Jul.'.'. Shores of ponds. NW shore of Island Pond (GCT& EHH 6400, NYSI. RUBIACE,,~: - MADDER F.~dvlILY CEPH,~LANTH US Button-bush. C. occidentalis L. Late Jul.,.-August. Occurs in one or two swamps IHanmer, 1940}. N end of Barlov.' Pond. Foster Pond. Treasure Pond. Chippy's Pond. GALIUM Bedstraw. 'G. aparine L. Bedstrav.. Cleavers. Goosegrass. June-July. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). Roadside N of Middle Farm Pond. §G. pilosum Ait. Jul.,,-August. Roadsides and path edges in oak woods. Not recently found (Hanmer. 1940). N shore of Barlov. Pond IGCT, EHH & Conn. Bot. Soc. 6608, NYS). Matthiessen Preserve. G. tinctorium L. July-August. Damp shores of fresh or brackish ponds. Fairly common (Hanmer, 19401. Middlefarms Pond. ~outh cove (GCT & EHH 5523, N'YS). South Beach IGCT & EHH 553l, 5742. NYS). G. trifidutn L. Fairl) common (Hanmer, 1940). [G. claytonii Michx.] G. triflorum Michx. Sweet-scented Bedstraw. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). MITCHELLA M. repens L. Partridgeberry. June. Rare. Woods. Reported by St. John (1941; found in 1920). Whitney Estate (EHH. obs.). NW shore of Barlow Pond. CAPRIFOLIACEAE -- HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LONICERA Honeysuckle *L. japonica Thunb. Japanese Honeysuckle. Very common and well established for years (Hanmer, 1940). Sound Lab (GCT & EHH 5476, NYS). SAMBUCUS Elderberry. $, eanade~ia L. Common Elderberry. Early July. "Very common" (Hanmer, 1940). VIBURNUM Arrowwood. }: c~sinoides L. Wild Raisin. Appalachian Tea. June. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). V.. opulus L. Highhush-Cranberry. Not observed in flower. Brickyard Woods (19 August 1990, EHH, NFS A4193). Not reported b.,, Hanmer or St. John. [: recognitum Fern. Northern Arrowwood. June. Thickets and shrub swamps. Plentiful (GCT, obs.). CAMP.ad'qULACEAE -- BELLFLOWER FAMILY LOBELiA Lobelia. L. inflata L. Indian-Tobacco. Jul)'. Rare. Edges of woods. E side of Grassy Pond (GCT& EHH$$88, NFS). L. spicata Lam. Pale spiked Lobelia. Jul)'. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). TRIODANIS Ven u:,'-Looking-Glass. T. perfoliata IL, I Nieuwland Jun-Jul. S end of Middle Farm Flats. ASTERACE.M2 -- COMPOSITE FAMILY Specimens marked (,/). were identified or confirmed for me by Eric E. Lamont. ACHILLEA L. Yarrow. A. millefolium L. Yarrow. Jun-Jul. Common, fields, roadsides, and paths. W of Mount Prospect (GCT& EHH 5486, NYS). AMBROSIA L. Ragweed. A. artemisiifolia L. Common Ragweed. Late August-September. Common, roadsides, fields, gardens, and waste places. ANAPHALIS DC. A, margari~acea (L.) Benth. & Hook. ill. ex C. B. Clarke Everlasting. August. Frequent, roadsides, paths, and fields. ANTENNARIA Gaertn. Pussy-toes. Cat's-paws. Indian-clover. ,4. parlinii Fern. May. Frequent, fields, roadside banks, and clearings. [4. fallus Greene] n. plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson May. Frequent, clearings, roadsides, and shaded well-drained parts of lawns. ARCTIUM L. Burdock. *A. minus {Hill) Bernh. August-early September. Common, roadsides, around houses, and disturbed soils generally. Fort Meadow (Hanmer 4372, *,28 July 1929, BKL, NYS). ARTEMISIA L. *A. stelleriana Besser Dust)' Miller. September. Frequent, beaches. Beach Pond. *A. vulgaris L. Mu~.ort. August-September. Rare. Disturbed soil. Foster Estate (GCT, EHH & PCS 5833. NYSL ASTER L. Aster. A. acuminatus M~chx. Wood Aster. August-early September. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940) ~q,4. divaricatus L. White Wood Aster. August-Oct. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). Rare. Oak-hickor). woods. N shore of Barlow Pond. A. ericoides L. While Wreath Aster. Common (Hanmer, 1940). [4. multiflorus Aiton] ,4. /aev/s L. Smooth Blue Aster. August-Oct. Occasional, open woods and fields. .4. lateriflorus (L.'I Britt. Calico Aster. August-Oct. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940), open woods. Barlow Pond. N .,,hore. [Incl. var. pendutus (,Kit.) Burg.[ A. linariifolius L. Stiff-leaved Aster. August-September. VeD' common, dh., sunny soil, especially roadside bank-, and dP,. fields. Easl End Bluff (GCT& EHH 5787. NYS). A. novi.belgii L. Ney, York Aster. Late August-early Oct. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940), fields and roadsides, often in slightly damp soils. Foster Estate (GCT. EHH & PCS 5835, NYSe. ~4. puniceus Aster. September-October. Rare. Pond shore. Chippy's Pond. A. subulatus Mictrx. Salt Marsh Aster. Annual Salt Marsh Aster. August-September. Uncommon, edges of tidal marshes. N edge of Beach Pond. A. tenuifolius L. Slender Salt Marsh Aster. Perennial Salt Marsh Aster. August-September. Salt marshes. N edge of Beach Pond. g,l. vimineua Lam. Osier-Aster. Small White Aster. Late August-Oct. Common (blanmer, 1940), fields and roadsides. Roadside (12 September 1905, Hanmer, CONN, 2 sheets). N shore of Beach Pond (GCT, EHH & PCS 5847, Nmi/S). RARE IN NEW YORK STATE (NYNHP RANK SH). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I BIDENS L. Bur-marigold. Stick-tight. Bootjacks. *B. tripartita L. September. Common (Hanmer, 1940); shores and swamps (sometimes brackish). Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5747, NY`/, NYS). [B. comosa (Gray) Wieg., B. connata MuhL ex Willd.] B. vulgata Greene. Late August. September. Common (Hanmer, 1940). CICHORIUM L. ChieoD'. *C. inO, bus L. ChicoD,. Jun-Jul. Very common. Roadsides. CIRSIUM Mill. Thistle. *C. arvense IL.) Scop. Canada Thistle. July-August. Common, fields and roadsides. C. discolor (Muhl. ex Willd.) Spreng. Field Thistle. Late July-August. Common (Hanmer, 1940). C. vulgate (Sari) Tenore Common Bull Thistle. Fairly common (Hanmer, 1940). IC. lanceolamm IL.) Mill.] ERECHTITES Raf. E. hieracifolia IL.) Raf. ex DC. Fircweed. Pilewort. July-August. var. hieracifolia Occasional. Disturbed places. (Hanmer, 1940). Fishers Island (29 August 1908, Thompson, CONNi~ ~ar. megalocarpa (Fern.) Cronq. September. Sea beaches. Stony Beach (GCT& EHH5756, NYS). Reported by St. John (1941) but not Hanmer I1940). R..',R£ IN NEW YORK STATE, ONE OF ONLY TWO OCCURRENCES. NYNHP R.,,NK SH. ERIGERON L. Fleabane. E. canadensis L. Horseweed. July-Oct. Common, fields, croplands, and roadsides. South Dumpling (Harkins 043, NYS). {Con)za canadensis {L.) Cronq.] §E. pulchellus Michx. May. Oak hickoD, woods. Barlow Pond, N shore (GCT 5149, NY,/, NYS). Not previously reported. E. strigosus Muhl. ex Will& Daisy-fleabane. June-September. Common, fields and roadsides. EUPATORIUM L. Boneset. Thoroughwort. Joe-pye weed. E. dubium Willd. Purple Joe-Pye Weed. Late July-August. Damp meadows. S of Mud Pond (GCT & EHH 5577,/, NY). Middle Farm Flats. E. hyssopifolium var. calcaratum Fern. & Schub. Late July-early September. Uncommon, sandy sunny roadsides. Middle Farm Flats (GCT& EHH 5529, NYS). E. perfoliatum L. Late August-early September. Frequent, wet sunny or partly shaded places, usually along streams. E. rotundifolium L. August. var. ovalum (BigeL) Tort. Not common (Hanmer, 1940). [E. verbenifolium Michx., E. pubescens MUM.] var. saundersii (Port.) Cronq. Well drained sandy soil. Middle Farm Flats. Peninsula Road gravel p~t (GCT, EHH & PCS 5861, NYS). EUTHAM1A Nutt. Flat-topped Goldenrod. [Solidago in part.] E. graminifolia (L.) Nutt. ex Cass. August-early September. Roadsides. shores, and damp fields. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). IS. granlinifolia (L.) Salisb.; S. graminifolia '*'ar. nuttallii (Greene) Fern.] E. tenuifolia (Pursh) Nutt. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). Pond shores and drs. soils. Money Pond (GCT& EHH 5753¢'. NY, NYS). East End Bluff (GCT& EHH 57854, NY, NYS). IS. tenuifolia Pursh] GALINSOGA Ca','. Gallant-soldiers. Quiclc~'eed. *G. parviflora Ca~. Weed of gardens, often in shaded heaL'y soil. GN.~d~HAL1UM L. Curly, eccl. G. obtusifolium L. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). East End Bluff (GCT& EHH 5783, NY,/). G. uliginosum L. August-September. Uncommon, damp roadsides and wet pastures. HIERACIUM L. Hav,~veed. ti. caespilosum Dumort. Common Hawk~'eed. King-devil. Late Jun-Jul. Common, roadsides, clearings, old fields, and oak wood~. NE side of Barlo'* Pond. W shore of Island Pond (GCT& EHH 6402, NYSI. [H. ?ratensc Tausch} ti. gronovii L. July. Common, dp,. fields, roadsides, and open woods. tt. scabrum L. Rough Hawkweed. August. Occasional (Hanmer, 1940). H. venosum L. Jub-August. Oak woods. N side of Middle Farms Pond (GCT& EHH 6162, NYS). H'~q)OCHOERIS L. *H. radicata L. Cat's-ears. Jun-September. Grasslands. Middle Farm Flats. IVA L. Lfrutescens ssp. oraria (Bartl.) Jackson High-tide Bush. August-early September. Frequent, upper edges ot salt marshes. Scattered around shore of Island Pond and Beach Pond. Stony Beach (GCT & EHH 5760, NYS). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I KRIGIA Schreb. §K. virginica (L.) Willd. Dwarf Dandelion. May-June. Rare. Along paths. Not reported by Hanmer (1940). Matthiessen Preserve (GCT 5200, NYS). LACTUCA L. Lettuce. L. canadenst~ L. Wild Lettuce. Late July-August. Frequent, open woods and roadsides. Mount Prospect (GCT & EHH 5489, Ny~f). East End Bluff (GCT & EHH 5782, NY~. L. serriola L. Prickly Lettuce. Late July-August. Uncommon, disturbed soils. N side of Barlow Pond. LEONTODON L. Hawkbit. *L. aulumnalis L. Fall Dandelion. August-September. Frequent, disturbed soil. LEUCANTHEMUM Mill. *L. vulgare Lam. Daisy. Common, grasslands and roadsides. [Chr)'santhemum leucanthemum L.] IvlI}C,~NIA §M. scandens (L.) Willd. Climbing-boneset. July-August. Damp thickets. Barlow Pond (27 August 1940, Hanmer. CONNI. Not relocated by us. PLUCHEA Cass. P. odorata var. succulenla (Fern.) Cronq. Salt-marsh Fleabane. Brackish marsh at Beach Pond. [P. purpurascens var. succulcnla Fern., P. camphoratt~ (L.) DC.] PRENANTHES L. Rattlesnake-root. White Lettuce. P. alba L. Late August-September. Common (Hanmer, 1940). P. altissima L. Tall White Lettuce. August-early Oct. Common (Hanmer, 1940). Not in S.E. Conn. P. trifoliaza (Cass.) Fern. Gall-of-the-earth. Late August-early September. 'Found in 1906.' (Hanmer, 1940). Wilderness Point (GCT & EHH 5870, NYS). RUDBECKIA L. Coneflowcr. R. hirta var. pulcherrima Fat'v,,. Black-eyed Susan. July. Frequent, roadsides and grasslands. Sound Lab (GCT & EHH 5483, NYS). SOLIDAGO L. Goldenrod [see also Euthamia]. §& bicolor White Goldenrod. September. Rare. Oak woods. Chippy's Pond. §S. caesia Pursh Blue-stem Goldenrod. September. Rare, oak.hickory woods. N shore of Barlow Pond fGCT & EHH 6889, NYS}. S. canadens/s Goldenrod. Probably present. S. juncea ,Lit. Early Goldenrod. Late July-August. Frequent, moist fields and roadsides. Sound Lab (GCT & EHH 5477, NYS). S. nemoralis AJt. Gray Goldenrod. August-September. Common, dry fields and roadsides. "Probably the commonest species of the genus." (Hanmer, 1940). $. puberula Nult. Downy Goldenrod. August-September. Fields, roadsides, and dry clearings. "Occasional." (Hanmer. 1940). S. rugosa Mill. Rough-stem Goldenrod. September-earl5 Oct. Dp,.' fields, woods, and roadsides. "Common." (Hanmer. 19401. [S. aspera .,sat.] S. sempervirens L. Seaside Goldenrod. Late August-September. Dunes, edges of marshes, and fields along sound. "Common." (Hanmer, 1940). Two Spring, (GCT, EHH & PCS 5825, NYS). Beach Pond Beach. §S. speciosa Nutt. Shov,.,. Goldenrod. Late September-October Rare. Well drained roadside. Middle Farm Flat. SW of Middle Farm Pond [EHH. 10 Oct 1990, NYS). Skeet Range (GCT& EHHS$46, NY, NYSI. SONCHUS L. So~-thi~,tlc. S. arven~is L. Sow-thistle. Late Jun-September. "Common." (Hanmer, 1940). Money Pond (GCT & EHH 5749. S. aSper {L.) Hill Spin5' Sov,-Thistle. "Occasional." (Hanmer, 1940l. TARAXACUM Weber. nom. cons. Dandelion. *T. laevigatura (Willd. I DC. May-October. Red-seeded Dandelion. Driveway at Water Works (GCT& EHH 598), HLF, Nh'S). [Z eo'throspermum Andrz. ex Besser] *T. officinale Weber ex Wiggers Common Dandelion. April-May (-October). Common Dandelion. Common. roadsides, lawns, and disturbed soils of all kinds. TUSS1LAGO L. *T. far~ara L. Coltsfoot. Earl_,,' Apr. Rare. Thickets. West side of Clay Pits Pond (GCT5213, NYSI. XANTHIUM L. Cocklebur. X. strumarium L. Late August-September. Upper edges of beaches. Beach south of Beach Pond. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX 3 Non-Vascular Plants Bryophytes LIVERWORTS and HORNWORTS Evans (1926) reported 24 species from Fishers Island, based on collections made by him in 1916 and by Latham in June I924. Some of these have been relocated by Tucker and Homing, as well as a number of nee additions to the island's bi3,oflora. Our collections were identified by Norton G. Miller and Lori Leonardi of the Biological Su~,e.v, New York State Museum. RICCIA R. fluitam L. On tree stump at water level. FI (1 Jun 1924, Latham, YU). Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 5510, NYS). RICCIOCARPUS R. natam (L./ Corda Peat.x dried out pond shore. NE shore of Chippy's Pond (GCT 6615, NYS). PTILIDIUM P. pulcherrimum (Web.) Hampe NYS). On granitic boulder in oak woods. NW shore of Chippy's Pond (GCT6600, LOPHOCOLEA L. heterophylla I Schrad.) Dumort. Bases of black oak and red maple. SE of Grassy Pond (GCT 5583, NYS). N shore of Barlow Pond (GCT 6171, NYS). CEPHALOZIA C. connivens (Dicks.) Lindb. Not reported by Evans (1926). Tree stump at water level. Middle Farms Pond (GCT & EHH 5512, NYS). CHILOSCYPHUS C. pallescens (Ehrh.) Dura. Pond shores. SW side of Treasure Pond (GCT 6557, NYS). FRULLANIA F. eboracensis Gottsche In woods at bases of black oaks. Barlow Pond, SW side (GCT & EHH 5924. NYSI. Boker Doyle PreseP,'e (GCT & EHH 5934, NYS). ODONTOSHISMA O. prostratum (Sw.) Trevis. Base of oak tree. Middle Farm Pond, NW shore (GCT& EHH 5954, NYS). O. sphagni Trevis Growing on mosses in damp woods. Middle Farm Pond, NW shore (GCT & EHH 5955, NYSi. TEL/M~ANEA T. nematodes (Gottsche) M.A. Howe Sandy shores of ponds. FI (12 July 1916, August 1916 &: 17 September 1916, Evans. YUI. A tropical species at the northern limit of its range. ANTHOCEROS L. Hornwort. ,t. laevis L. Shore o1 pond (August 1916, Evans, YU). FI (1 Jun 1924, Latham, YU). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I MOSSES There is no available reference covering the mosses of Fishers Island. Our collections of mosses were identified by Ix)ri Leonardi and Norton G. Miller. Specimens of Sphagnum were verified by Richard E. Andrus (State University of New York, Binghamton). ANOMODON ~. rostratu~ (Hedwig) Hueb. Oak woods. Brickyard Woods, N of Main Road, NW of Brickyard Pond (EHH 91-23, NYS). AMBLYSTEG ILrM /t. varium (Hedw.) Lindb. On concrete wall. Rafferty's Home, at N end of Barlow Pond (17 August 1991, GCT 6610, NYS). AULOCOMNIUM A. palustre IHedw.) Schraegr. Edges of ponds. Chippy's Pond (12 May 1991, GCT5930). Middle Farms Pond (30 July 1990 GCT & EHH 5509, NYS). BRYUM B. argenteum Hedw. Cracks in pavement. Ferry Slip (25 July 1991, GCT 6395, NYS). CALLICLADIUM C. haldanianum IGrev. I Crum 91-17, 91.19. NYS). Red maple swamp. Brickyard Woods, S of Main Road (10 Feb 1991, EHH CERATODON C. purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. Red maple swamp. Brick'yard Woods, S of Main Road (12 May 1991, GCT5939, NYS/. CLIMACIUM C. americanum Brid. Tree-Moss. Fens and shrub swamps. Middle Farms Pond, south cove (30 July 1990, GCT & EHH 5514, NYS). Treasure Pond, SW shore (13 May 1991, GCT 5966, NYS). DICRANELLA D. heteromalla Hedw. Well drained lawn bordering oak woods and in open oak woods. S side of Barlow Pond (12 May 1991, GCT 5925, NYS). Brickyard Woods N of Main Road (10 Feb 1991, EHH 91-24, NYSi. DICRANUM D. flag*llare Hedw. Red maple swamps and oak woods. Sunken Forest (13 May 1991, GCT 5952, NYS). Brick3.'ard Woods north of Main Road (10 Feb 1991, EHH 91-21, NYS; 12 Ma)' 1991, GCT 5932, NYS). D. scoparium Hedw. Tree base in oak woods. S side of barlow Pond (12 May 1991, GCT 5918, NYS). DITRICHUM D. pallidum (Hedwig) Hampe Open gravelly area and in open oak woods. Old Water Pipe area [Infiltration Gallery] (EHH 91.11). Brickyard Woods. N of Main Road (EHH 92-24, NYS). SE side of Grassy Pond Jul)' 1990. GCT 5584, NYS}. D. (unidentified) Barren sand,,, place with Hudsonia tomentosa. Middlefarm Hill near Four Corners at top (EHH 9]-14, NYS). DREPANOCLADUS D. fluita~ (Hedw.) Warn:t. Fen and shrub swamp. SW shore of Treasure Pond (13 May 1991, GCT5965. NYS). FONTINALIS F. sullivantii Lindb. Shrub fen in shallov, water. SW shore of Treasure Pond (13 May 1991. GCT 5965, NYS). North Turtle Pond (GCT & EHH 5996, NYS). GRIMMIA G. alpicola Hedw. Shaded concrete wall. Rafferty's Home at N end of Barlow Pond (17 August 1991, GCT 6609, NYS). HEDWIGIA H. ciliata (Hedv,.) P. Beaux'. On granitic boulder in oak woods. NW side of Chippy's Pond (17 August 1991. GCT 6598, NYS). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I HYPNUM H. imponens Hedw. Well drained black oak woods. Brickyard Woods, N of Main Road (10 Feb 1991, EHH 91-22 and 91-25, NYS; 12 May 199L GCT 5931, NYS). H. pallescen$ (Hedw.) P. Beauv. Red maple swamp and on shaded rocks. NW shore of Middle Farms Pond (13 May 1991, GCT 5953, NYS). NW shore of Chippy's Pond (17 August 1991, GCT 6597, NYS). LEPTODICTYUM L, Hparium (Hedw.) Warnst. NYS). Shrub fen in shallow water. North Turtle Pond (13 May 1991, GCT 5996b, LEUCOBRYUM L. albidum (Brid.) Lindb. Oak woods. S side of Barlow Pond (13 May 1991, GCT5922, NYS). L. glaucum (Hedv,./ Angstr. On soil in oak woods. Brickyard Woods, N of Main Road (12 May 1991, GCT 5929, NYSe. MNIUM bi. hornum Hedw. Red maple swamp and damp thickets. Brickyard Woods, south of Main Road, west of Brick3ard Pond (EHH 91-I9a, NYS). Clay Pit Pond (12 May 1991, GCT 5913, NYS). SW shore of Treasure Pond (13 May 1991, GCT 5967, NYS). PLAGIOMNIUM P. cuspidatum (Hedw.) Kop. Red maple swamps and norway maple woods. Sunken Forest (13 May 1991, GCT 5950. 5951, NYS). Walsh Park (EHH 91-28, bP/S). PLATYGYRIUM P. repens (Brid.) BSG. On black oak or red maple. Brickyard Woods, N of Main Road (12 May 1991, GCT 5933, NYS). NE shore of Middle Farm Pond (27 Jun 1991, GCT 6172, NYS). POLYTRICHUM Hair-cap Moss. P. piliferum Hedw. Barren sandy place with Hudsonia tomentosa. Middlefarm Hill near Four Corners at top (EHH 9I-]4a, NYS). P. ohioense Sull. Open gravelly area. Old Water Pipe area [Infiltration Gallery] (EHH 91.8, NYS). SPHAGNUM Peat-Moss. Sphagnum. S. a.//ine Ren. & Card. Red maple dominated swamp. Brickyard Woods, south of Main Road (EHH 91-16, NYS). IS. imbricamm var. affine] S. fimbriatum Wils. Swamps. Swamp by Guard House (GCT & EHH 5543, BING, NYS). S. henryense Warnst. Shrub swamp. Near east side of West Harbor (EHH 91-3, BING, NYS). Middle Farms Pond, fen at S cove (GCT& EHH 5502, BING, NYS). Swamp by Guard House (GCT& EHH 5542, BING. NYS). S. lescurii Sull. Sedge and grass fens, partly submerged in channels between hummocks. Wilderness Point (GCT 5209, BING, NYS; GCT 5974, BING, NYS). East End Swamp (27 Jun 1991, GCT 6157, NYS). S. palustre L. Peaty pond shore. Chippy's Pond (GCT & EHH 5495, BING. NYS). S. recurvum Beaux'. Shrub swamp and red maple swamp. Middle Farm Pond, south cove (GCT& EHH5503, BING, NYSe. Middle Farm Pond, N shore (27 Jun 1991, GCT 6160, BING, NYS). S. viridum Flatb. Shrub Fen. SW shore of Treasure Pond (13 May 1991, GCT 5964, BING, NYS). THELIA T. hirtella (Hedw.) Sulk On black oaks. Near Sunken Forest (13 May 1991, GCT 5948, NYS). Brickyard Woods N of Main Road 110 Feb 1991, EHH 91.23, NYS). THUIDIUM T. delicatulum (Hedw.) BSG. Red maple swamp on soil. Brickyard Woods (12 May 1991. GCT 5937, NYS). ULOTA U. crispa (Hedw.~ Brid. On red maple, 5 m above ground. N shore of Middle Farm Pond (GCT6169, NYSi. Lt. hutchinsiae (Sm.~ Hamm. On granitic boulder in oak woods. NW shore of Chippy's Pond (17 August 199l. GCT 0599, NYS).