Whitefish Point provides a phenomenal concentration spot for migrant birds. Here, land and water features create a natural migration corridor. Tens of thousands of birds are funneled to the Point every Spring and Fall while migrating through the Great Lakes region. For over 30 years, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory has been monitoring and documenting these annual migrations. Our mission is to document the distribution and abundance of birds in the Great Lakes Region, with special emphasis on migration.
Northern Gannet returns to Whitefish Point
He’s back! On April 24th, at 12:38pm, Waterbird Counter Karl Bardon identified an adult Northern Gannet flying by the Point. The gannet was heading north from Whitefish Bay passed the point out into the main part of Lake Superior. His flight was almost effortless as he floated by, heading into the stiff wind, and he was close enough both to identify easily with just binoculars, and even get some identifiable photos.
2012 Quilt Raffle Begins
The 29th Annual WPBO Fund Raising Raffle is now underway.
First Prize: A beautiful owl embroidered queen-size quilt, crafted by Nancy Skelly, owner of Banjoh's Threads (www.banjohs.com). Second Prize: A pair of Eagle 8x42 binoculars. Third Prize: A new critically acclaimed bird guide, The Crossley ID Guide to Birds. The author, Richard Crossley is this years featured speaker at the annual WPBO Spring Fling banquet on April 28th.
WPBO Trip Report: Birding the Saginaw Bay
On Saturday, March 24th, WPBO conducted its Birding the Saginaw Bay tour. The primary objective was waterfowl, but with all the warm sunny weather the previous week we were ready for about anything. And we weren't disappointed, with 70 species of birds seen or heard by at least one participant, and 65 or so by everyone.
Spring Fling 2012
This April 27 - 29 marks the 24th Annual WPBO Spring Fling, when members and their guests “migrate” to Paradise, Michigan and the Whitefish Point area to visit with old friends, both human and avian. Many activities have been planned for another refreshing weekend of birding experiences.
Birders can expect excellent birding along with opportunities to learn more about avian migration and conservation in the Great Lakes. Attendees will learn from fellow birders, field trip leaders, and guest speakers.
Richard Crossley, the author of the revolutionary The Crossley ID Guide, is this year's banquet speaker.
WPBO Trip Report: Winter Birding around the Soo II
Our second Soo birding tour followed the pattern of the first. Rather cool weather combined with rather cool birds. On Saturday we concentrated on the Soo area, while on Sunday we moved to the west side of Chippewa county. Our leader was Jerry Ziarno, a veteran leader of many Soo tours and a top Michigan birder.