This week Whitefish Point was speckled with flecks of orange. Migrating monarch butterflies have made their way north and found refuge on Lake Superior’s tranquil shores. Their fluttering orange wings have been a welcome addition to my many walks around the Point. Just as it has with these migrating butterflies, the last week has been an excellent opportunity to get face-to-face with some of the area’s other nonhuman residents. In particular, becoming acquainted with our nesting Piping Plovers has been an especially gratifying experience. Being able to accompany our Piping Plover monitor Alec Olivier while he watches these tiny, charming shorebirds has been one of my favorite parts of being at Whitefish Point. I am thrilled to be working on important social media content and signage, which will help explain the importance of these endangered birds and further clarify how visitors of the Point can do their part to protect them.

A Piping Plover at Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.

However, this week has not been without its setbacks. Several mornings of thick fog and rain left me with poor conditions for video and photography, pushing several projects farther into the future and limiting the amount of content I could produce. After spending hours walking the Point, I found myself with an abundance of grainy, washed-out images. While the misty, overcast conditions certainly provide some ambiance, I am hoping that the weather improves in the near future so I can begin to share more about my experience here at the Point.

Fog obscures the morning sun at WPBO. Photo by Blake Carlile.

Regardless, my days in the field always seem to end with the most spectacular sunset vistas. Walking the peaceful shores of Lake Superior during the beautiful twilight hours of the evening always leads to great photos and great bird encounters. This week was no different. As the sun lit the sky on fire, I couldn’t help but think of the beautiful monarch butterflies and their dancing shapes against the clouds.

Sunset clouds frame the lighthouse at Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.

Until next week,

Blake Carlile
2021 Summer Outreach Intern

Featured Photo: A monarch butterfly rests in the grass at Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.

You can read Blake’s weekly blog posts and follow WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for more highlights of his experiences this season.