With the waterbird migration count winding down and in its final days, I just want to say how much of a pleasure it’s been to take you all on this adventure with me. You know, to be certain, this has been quite an interesting season, and I’ve learned a lot about birds, migration, and myself. A person might think that a migration count is only about standing outside all day, trying to count and identify every last bird, but I can say there’s much more to it.
Now, some of you know that I enjoy a good chase of a bird, particularly something rare or a life bird. Some of my most fond memories come from chasing birds, meeting random people on the road that become friends, bonded by the common love of birds. This said it has been a very humbling season, standing on the beach of Whitefish Point every day for the past six weeks. Being able to immerse myself every day in nature and a subject I love, the birds, and bring it directly to you, is quite the honor. I hope that through my blogs, you’ve been able to get a better understanding of what makes birds so special. Sometimes I find it difficult to relay in words what exactly is going on — the experience and emotion you feel here at Whitefish Point is something exceptional and unique to this place.
As I watch birds migrating, my mind often wanders, as I wonder, what do birds think of migration? Do they think of it as a grand adventure, a wild journey, or maybe a daring escapade? This is mostly my imagination, romanticizing migration. In practicality, for the birds, it’s mainly about survival and breeding the next generation. But one can’t be certain about this, and it’s these kinds of things that make my mind wander and wonder. To me, there’s so much wonder in this wonderful world we share with all living creatures.
So with the season’s end drawing near, there comes a new beginning. Another grand adventure, wild journey, or daring escapade awaits; discovery is endless, as is learning and the accumulation of knowledge. During a tribute to his friend Theodore Roosevelt, naturalist John Burroughs once said, “The one subject I do know, and ought to know, is the birds. It has been one of the main studies of a long life. He knew the subject as well as I did, while he knew with the same thoroughness scores of other subjects of which I am entirely ignorant.”
Thank you again for reading and following along with me this season; I’ve really enjoyed, my time with you.
Happy Birding!
~ Matthew Winkler
2021 WPBO Waterbird Counter
You can see live updates for the 2021 Waterbird Count on Dunkadoo, read Matthew’s weekly blog post, and follow WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for waterbird count highlights this season.
If you visit WPBO, please practice social distancing while doing so. Although not required, we encourage you to wear masks if you are in close proximity to other people, even if outdoors.
Celebrating Spring Migration at Whitefish Point — A Webinar Series
Demystifying Great Lakes Waterbirds
May 20 | 7 p.m.
Having trouble distinguishing what dabbling duck you are observing? Or maybe you aren’t sure how to tell the difference between a Long-tailed Duck and a Red-necked Grebe from afar. Join us for Waterbird Counter Matthew Winkler’s presentation breaking down his methods used to unravel waterbird identifications. For many of us, identifying ducks, loons, and grebes in flight comes with a high intimidation factor; these waterbirds travel quickly, and some are only subtly different. Matthew will help break down these barriers and help you better enjoy lakewatching and all of the exciting birding it offers! Matthew is excited to share his experience with you and answer questions regarding waterbird ID and the waterbird count at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.
This event is the third in a four-part series of free webinars celebrating spring migration at the Point and highlighting WPBO research programs.
