Eight Species You Might Not Know We Have On Long Island

Ask any wildlife photographer or explore based on Long Island and they’ll tell you that our home turf does not get nearly the credit it deserves when it comes to species diversity. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that most people think Long Island has a couple of raccoons, a possum here and there, and way too many deer out east and that basically sums it up.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. So for this article, we worked with some of the best wildlife photographers based on Long Island to highlight 10 species that most people might not know we have here.

The Osprey: An Underrated, Unofficial Long Island Emblem (with guest words + photos from some of Long Island's most talented wildlife photographers)

Okay, so maybe ospreys are not an “emblem” of Long Island in any official capacity but, to those of us who spend a significant amount of time on the water, they are just that. As a south shore Long Islander, I can say they embody our ideals - majestic, loyal, unafraid, and a world class angler.

As a species, they hold a very special place in my heart and as such, I’ve written about them extensively here on ntvli.com. Rather than hear me ramble on again about how amazing they are, I spoke to several of my favorite photographers about why THEY love seahawks. This article will highlight their responses, as well as, some of their favorite osprey photos.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation on Long Island Featuring the Photography of JR Aurature

The diversity of Long Island’s wildlife is dramatically underrated. From its year round residents to seasonal visitors, our bountiful habitats are full of beautiful creatures ranging from insects to mammals; birds to amphibians and lizards. That doesn’t even factor in the important marine ecosystems that exist along our shores and inland lakes, ponds, and rivers.

With so much life and vibrancy right in our backyards, it’s important for Long Islanders to be responsible guardians of our land. Our actions can have a myriad of consequences, and when they cause harm or distress to the other creatures who call Long Island home, it’s important that we proactively work to remedy the situation. Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers are integral to successfully assuming this responsibility.

Conservation, Long Island Wildlife, NTVartistsRichard J NardoSeptember 8, 2020Long Island Wildlife, Long Island, Conservation, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Volunteers for Wildlife, JR Aurature, auraturewildlife, Owls on Long Island, New York Audubon Society, Shore birds conservation, Piping Plover, Sanderling, American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Bird Watching, Wildlife Photography, Snowy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Marshland Conservation, Long Island Raptors, Bald Eagle, Bald Eagles Long Island, Osprey, Osprey Long Island, Red Tailed Hawk, Merlin, Cedar Waxwing, Songbirds, Song Bird Conservation, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, White-Tailed Deer, Fawn, Deers Long Island, Chipmunk, Eastern Cottontail, Coexist with Nature, Honey Bee, Bumblebee, Bee Polination, Bee friendly Garden, New York Bee Sanctuary, All About Birds, Cornell University, They Honey Bee Conservancy, Rich Nardo, NTVLIComment