This week has been full of changes. Perhaps most notably, it seems that Cedar Waxwings have all but replaced the Blue Jays as my noisy and bold companions here at Whitefish Point. While I miss my blue-feathered co-workers, I can’t help but appreciate my new comrades’ unique look and high-pitched calls. While they aren’t quite as friendly as the Blue Jays were, I’m confident that they’ll come around — they just need some time to get to know me.

A pair (trio?) of Cedar Waxwings. Photo by Blake Carlile

In all seriousness, this week has been both an exciting and difficult time in the field. After several more days of turbulent weather, the rain has given way to sunshine and a brisk wind. Along with the change in weather has been a continuation of the upward trend in WPBO visitors. It’s been great to talk with so many enthusiastic birders, hikers, and beachgoers who want to learn more about the Point. I truly enjoy having conversations with you all and hearing about your experiences here. If you see me around the Point, feel free to flag me down and ask me any questions you might have!

An American lady butterfly lands on the pebbled ground. Photo by Blake Carlile.

A Common Yellowthroat hops from branch to branch. Photo by Blake Carlile.

Unfortunately, with the crowds comes plastic. I’ve encountered more and more wrappers, containers, and cigarette butts in the past week than I have since arriving here in May. It’s somewhat sad to see a place that I have come to enjoy so much treated this way, so I encourage all visitors to be mindful of what they bring into the wildlife refuge and what they leave behind. Preserving a place as important as Whitefish Point must be a top priority for all of us. I am attempting to do my part by picking up whatever I see.

An unfortunate thing to see — trash at Whitefish Point (I picked it up of course!). Photo by Blake Carlile

I’d also like to comment on some of the projects I have been working on. Collaborating with WPBO management and field staff, I am creating a series of new park signs to help explain the importance of WPBO’s research efforts to visitors. While compiling the information and creating the graphics can be a complex process, I am confident that they will be informative and easy to read when the final signs are made in physical form. More updates soon!

Thanks for reading,

Blake Carlile
2021 Summer Outreach Intern

Featured Photo: A flower glistens with morning dew 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.