Fiske Bird Sanctuary

Located off West Neck Road there is a place that is waiting for you to explore it.  The Fiske Bird Sanctuary in Lloyd Harbor is a hidden treasure that I'm sure is not recognized as much as it should be. Nature is free to us all.  We should take advantage of its gifts and share it with the people we know.  Not only is this sanctuary always open to the public but it doesn't take any money out of our pockets.  Now that is something to be happy about!

If you enter the sanctuary by the police station you will find a kiosk and a map of the trails along with some trail guides.  From there you walk through what I call a hidden adventure.  I have never been to the Fiske Sanctuary before so I really didn't know what to expect.  However, I did pass by numerous times for the past 2 years and never even knew it was there!  The signs for it are pretty much out of view for drivers so I don't feel so bad.  I actually found the area on a map and decided to check it out.

Established in 1958, the Fiske Bird Sanctuary is home to many small creatures.  It has a number of wooded areas, marshes and a pond.  You can find wildflowers in the spring which range from day lilies to butterfly weed and a rainbow of colored leaves in the fall.  The maple trees show off their mighty greens and the sounds of birds relax you.  The life that surrounds you is remarkable.

The seasons bring even more life to the sanctuary and to witness that beauty is unforgettable.  Another interesting thing you will find as you look up along your walk are numerous bat boxes.  A somewhat unlikely surprise.  The stream that runs through the sanctuary is quite nice and the plants that you will find along the way are ones that bring curiosity.  Again, an invitation to explore.  Just be aware of the geese.  The one I encountered seemed to be guarding the bridge by the pond. Playing it smart I didn't move forward!

All you need is an hour and you can say you have seen a beautiful and majestic part of Huntington.  Thanks to the Three Harbors Garden Club the sanctuary is preserved and filled with plenty of surprises.  I do recommend you wear the proper clothing because it can get a little muddy, but hey, nature is nature.  It doesn't have to apologize for being dirty.  Instead, it welcomes you with open arms and invites you to check out the view.