Despite the fact that there have been a couple of recent nights when the weather conditions right here at the Point have provided us with some hope, it is clear that the wider weather patterns have not been to the owl’s liking. Northern Saw-whet Owl numbers have continued to be very disappointing since our last update, and we have not banded a Boreal Owl since April 11, regularly causing us to ask aloud, “What is up little dudes?” The Long-eared Owls have been a little steadier, but have also stalled out a bit lately. Since our last post, we have banded five saw-whets, 15 long-eareds, and the season’s first Barred Owl. Although we never put much faith in extended weather forecasts, it does help us get through slow periods when we see favorable conditions predicted, regardless of whether we believe them or not. Unfortunately, even the 10-day forecast is not providing us with any hope right now. Hopefully, that will change, and the owl migration will pick up again sooner than the current forecast would indicate.
The season’s first Barred Owl.
Chris Neri & Nova Mackentley
WPBO Spring Owl Banders
If you are considering visiting the Point, please read this important message from Michigan Audubon and WPBO Field Staff.
Maneuvering the ever-changing implications of COVID-19 has necessitated constant adaptation and evaluation for us all. Michigan Audubon and WPBO have been proactive in taking measures that protect our staff, our physical community in Paradise, and the Michigan birding community, and we have found American Birding Association’s recent guidelines on birding and social distancing a useful resource for guiding bird-related travel decisions. While there are hopeful signs that we are rounding the corner with this virus, Michigan Audubon does not want to sow precocious optimism that encourages long-distance travel. Please take a minute to read these ABA guidelines, and to imagine them through the lens of the eastern Upper Peninsula, which does not have the medical resources of Michigan’s more-developed areas. Chippewa County and its adjacent counties have just three hospitals, and only one of these has more than 100 beds; they all are at least an hour’s drive from the Point. WPBO appreciates and requests your continued conscientiousness as the season’s migration begins to ramp up, and does not condone birding travel that is not local. Keep in mind that the Owl’s Roost Gift Shop and public observation of owl banding are currently closed. In the meantime, we will virtually share the Point with you as best we can until it is safe for all parties to enjoy it together. We hope that will be soon.
