Outdoors

It is that time of year again here on the East End of Long Island, when the phones in doctors' offices start to ring seemingly constantly with patients calling with questions about tick bites.

Concerned Citizens of Montauk, joined by almost 40 volunteers, installed approximately 3,000 square feet of floating wetlands in Fort Pond. As the plants mature, their roots will take in excess nitrogen and phosphorus as food to reduce the nutrient load in the water.

Those who enjoy nature can take advantage of several upcoming adventures, from full-on hikes to shoreline walks.

Hiking enthusiasts on the East End — or day-tripping trekkers from just about anywhere else — will no doubt appreciate these upcoming local hikes.

It's that time of year when the trees, plants, and flowers start blooming into color, with warmer temperatures that make shoreline walks increasingly more pleasant. Looking ahead to May 8, here are some hikes and walks in which to enjoy the outdoors.

At 9 a.m., the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt has a three-mile hike planned at Little Long Pond from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dai Dayton will lead the hike, which will start at the Friends' Greenbelt Nature Center at 1061 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. She can be contacted at 631-745-0689.

Before the fishing scene gets into full swing over the next few weeks, there are a few things that bear reminding for those who ply our waters with a rod and reel and more.

The idea behind the new 2/3 for the Birds campaign is simple: By planting two-thirds of one's property with native greenery and abstaining from the use of pesticides, homeowners can help local bird species make a comeback. Experts say it's a critical way to restore avian populations that have been dying off since the 1970s.

There is an old fishing proverb: "Wind from the west, fish bite the best. Wind from the east, fish bite least. Wind from the north, do not go forth. Wind from the south, blows bait in their mouth."

Hikes to see seals, traverse grasslands, and search out the chorus of spring peepers

After a fatigue-laden winterlong game of avoiding Covid and basically just staying home (and perhaps listening to too much Pink Floyd), it felt much as if a heavy block of cement had fallen off my shoulders when I finally got back on my boat for the first time since November. It was cathartic and energizing.

The East Hampton Town Trustees are throwing their support behind a proposal from the town's shellfish hatchery director to fund a pilot kelp-farming program in Three Mile Harbor. 

In its 6 a.m. report, the Weather Service said to expect snow on the East End of Long Island until about 1 p.m. before it changes to rain and snow in the afternoon, then all rain on Monday night. The wind will be from the northeast, 22 to 32 miles per hour with gusts to 47. At night, sustained winds could reach 34 with gusts to 50.