​Animals and Wildlife Of Long Island

Where can I find wildlife?

Begin by understanding how habitats differ from beach to forest to old field to freshwater ponds to salt marsh and tidal pools. So start making observations now, and make note of where you are. If you need more advice, contact us.

A Season Full of Wildlife

What is conservation biology?

  • Understanding ​life cycles which are the series of changes in the life a species. Migratory cycles refer to annual or seasonal movements by birds, butterflies, whales, and others, taking advantage of summer breeding and overwintering locations.
  • Understanding biodiversity which refers to the variety of life found; where more diverse populations are more resilient.
  • Understanding population dynamics  which is the up and down swings of a wildlife population across space and time.
  • Understanding  limiting factors, that which is in short supply.  Each species requires and benefits from differing habitats sizes and variations.
  • Understanding how habitat fragmentation impacts biodiversity. Some species become isolated and can't maintain viable populations sizes, while others require large home ranges to survive.
  • Understanding endangered and threatened species which refer to declining populations.​

Long Island Birds & Mammals

Birding

It is critical to protect birds from excessive human activity ( climate change, habitat loss, cat predation).  For example, shoreline nesting birds are declining as due to beach stabilization efforts.  Birds rely on different kinds of habitats (fields, woods, beaches, etc) for different purposes.  When certain habitats are on decline in quality or abundance, the associated bird species requiring these habitats also declines. ​
Another example is the Northern Bobwhite Quail. These birds require a diversity of habitats, which may sound like they are generalists, but actually they require differing habitats for different purposes (breeding, feeding, cover, etc).  
With declining fields, meadows, and grasslands, they too are on the decline. This is at the heart of bird conservation, not only protecting bird populations from over consumption, but also protecting enough open space and greenway corridors to maintain population viability.
Spend time in the field by yourself, using the approach (on right), and/or use the Environmental Directory to find organizations leading birding events.
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Marine Mammals

For all the time we spend along the coastline, how many of us are privy to the marine mammals that live in neighboring waters? 

​Pictured on the right, is a breaching humpback whale, taken by Artie Kopelman, CRESLI President, who has answers for many of the questions we may ask: 
  • What about their behavior, life cycles, and survival? 
  • How often do they visit our waters or are they residents?
  • How long do they live and how much do they weigh?  
Picture
Photography by Artie Kopelman, President of CRESLI
Additional Resources for Birds & Mammals

Amphibians, Insects, Snakes, Macroinvertabrates, Eels

​​Macroinvertabrates can be seen with the naked eye and they have no backbone

Box Turtles

When can I observe box turtles ?

Box Turtles are reptiles. They don't live in water, but my take a dip. ​
Fine Art Illustration by Beach Oak Designs,  Jenn Lucas, Principal
This quick reference chart  is based on habitat use in Massachusetts. Source: ​Mass.gov: Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern Tiger Salamanders

Where can I observe Eastern Tiger Salamanders?

Ask the experts at SOFO, where they conduct conduct mud turtle/frog and salamander surveys each year during their breeding season.

Photography: South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center (SOFO).
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Additional Resources: