The scientific name of the whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus, is spot-on. According to “Birds of America,” edited by T. Gilbert Pearson, “the first word . . . means ‘cave mouth’ and the second . . . ‘strong voice.’ ”
Outdoors
On the Water: Bunker in Short SupplySo far this year, Mother Nature has served up a curveball, as bunker showed up on schedule but dispersed rather quickly to parts unknown.
On the Water: Another Canceled TripOnce again, the weather gods, despite sunny skies, spoiled our plans, as a gusty 30-knot breeze from the northwest would make fishing difficult and downright uncomfortable.
On the Water: An Age-Old QuestionOn the local fishing scene, the action has generally been good in many locales, and anglers of all ages have taken part.
On the Wing: The Endlessly Interesting Purple MartinAs long ago as 1936, when T. Gilbert Pearson published “Birds of America,” purple martins were almost exclusively dependent on man-made housing. Here on the East End, they arrive in early April to the houses waiting for them and by Labor Day they're gone.
On the Water: Striped Bass AmassWant to catch a striped bass? Then Montauk is clearly the place to be right now.
On the Water: Turbulence at the GutI decided to try a few quick drifts for striped bass in Plum Gut last week. The bass, according to reports, have been running in great quantities there.
On the Wing: The Best-Looking Songbird You've Never SeenScarlet tanagers breed in forest interiors. Take a walk on the Sprig Tree Trail in Sag Harbor, or along the Round Pond Trail where they sing and breed. You'll also find them at the Grace Estate, Hither Woods, and Barcelona Neck. The trick is to find a large expansive stretch of woods and listen.
D.E.C. Offers Safety Tips for Outdoor ExplorationThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a timely set of tips for people who plan to explore the great outdoors this summer.
On the Wing: The East End's Most Controversial BirdWhen beaches are closed because of nesting plovers, people get pretty riled up. The birds, which are endangered in the country and New York State, may seem to be prolific here, but in fact nest on only a handful of beaches on the East End. They're also site-specific, returning year after year to breed in the same spots.
On the Water: Mysterious ShrimpFor years I’ve noticed numerous symmetrical holes measuring about an inch in diameter in the sand near where I dock my boat in Sag Harbor Cove. Who created and resides in such dwellings?
On the Water: Pain in the PumpDense, foggy conditions over the weekend caused some anxiety for boaters and fishermen alike. The fishing was good in many locales, however, as the waters continue to warm up.