Research

With its large concentrations of birds, Whitefish Point ranks among the most significant avian migration sites in North America. The Observatory’s long-term research programs are built around the vast biological opportunities of Whitefish Point and the northern Great Lakes ecosystem.

Waterbird Count (spring & fall)WPBO research
April 15-May 31
Aug 15- Nov 15
8 hours daily beginning at sunrise

Visit the Waterbird Count Blog for daily updates

Hawk Count (spring)
March 15-May 31
8am-4pm daily

Visit the Hawk Count Blog for daily updates

Songbird Census (fall)
Aug 26th- Nov 15
conducted 2 hours after sunrise daily

Visit the sightings/RBA blog for daily updates

Owl Banding (spring, summer, fall)
March 15-May 31
July 1-Aug 25
Sept 15-Oct 31
dusk-dawn nightly

Visit the Owl blog for weekly updates

Thank you to our 2010 Research Sponsors:

  • Bonnie L. White – Waterbird Count
  • Elizabeth K. Dapson – Hawk Count & Waterbird Count
  • Beverly Kirby – Owl Banding
  • Tex Wells – All Research Programs
  • Robert Pettit – Hawk Count
  • Ken and Robin Ballard – All Research Programs