This week Whitefish Point has been graced with warm weather (albeit with some rain) and an astounding lack of biting insects. I assume these factors could help explain why the Point has been the busiest I’ve ever seen it this summer — even outpacing the 4th of July weekend. Yet, the influx of crowds has not kept this place from exhibiting its characteristic natural beauty and capacity for memorable bird encounters. Just yesterday morning, a massive congregation of White-winged Crossbills came soaring over the Point in groups of 10 to 60 birds. Alec Olivier, WPBO’s Piping Plover monitor, counted over 1,500 individuals in just the span of a few hours. If only they had landed for a good photo or two. It has also been a great time to see shorebirds and waterbirds, as Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers, and mergansers make regular appearances, not to mention the ever-present and noisy Killdeer.
A flock of White-winged Crossbills soars over Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.
A Sanderling walking the shore of Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.
With all the excitement, I have felt energized and productive. In addition to finishing the designs for nearly all of the signage that will be posted at WPBO this fall, this week has been especially good for catching glimpses of the steadily growing Piping Plover chicks on our shores. Yes, I know this is the third blog in a row I have talked about these birds, but their charisma and innate cuteness remain unmatched! The difference this time is that I have better photos to show you. Make sure to watch WPBO’s story on Instagram and Facebook to track their progress!
A banded Piping Plover chick, roughly 13 days old. Photo by Blake Carlile.
I was also able to watch as the first brood of chicks was banded by trained professionals. It was inspiring to see their gentle care and kindness for these fragile birds as they were being banded. For those who don’t know, bird banding is a minimally invasive way for researchers to track the life history of birds in the wild. It is especially important for endangered birds like the Piping Plover, as it helps scientists monitor their recovery and make informed decisions regarding their conservation.
If you visit Whitefish Point during this hectic time of the year, make sure to dispose of your waste properly, keep dogs on leash, and follow all posted rules and guidelines. As always, thank you to everyone who reads my blogs!
Until next week,
Blake Carlile
2021 Summer Outreach Intern
Featured Photo: A Killdeer stands on the pebbled shore. 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.
If you want to chat with Blake in person, he holds office hours at the Owl’s Roost every Friday through Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m.
