Unfortunately, this will be my last “quick-update style” blog of the season. This is because, as much as it pains me to admit it, my next blog will be my last one. At the beginning of next month, I will start my long journey back to the West Coast. For this reason, next week’s blog will consist mainly of reflections on my time here at Whitefish Point and the work I’ve done during my stay.

Until then, however, I have no problem continuing with my usual lighthearted tone.

Though I can’t say I have had an extraordinary amount of time to explore the Point while I finish up my projects for the summer, I have had some interesting moments that are certainly worth sharing. Perhaps my favorite moment this week was the sighting of a particular bird. Pointed out by my coworker, the Whimbrel — a lifer for me — rested on the shore of Whitefish Point with its long, curved bill pointed towards the beach and its large, brown body blending in with the sand and rocks. It was fantastic seeing such a unique-looking bird that you would generally only see during migration! If only I had been able to take a good photo. As we walked around the Point that evening, something almost as interesting presented itself: black bear tracks. Seeing traces of such a large animal was a reminder that, despite the crowds, Whitefish Point is still defined by its natural landscape and detachment from more developed areas.

Black bear print on the beach at Whitefish Point. Photo by Blake Carlile.

Another recent discovery was that of a well-hidden Spotted Sandpiper nest within the Piping Plover nesting area.

A spotted Sandpiper nest hidden beneath some leaves. Photo by Blake Carlile.

For all those who have spent a summer at Whitefish Point (or who read my blogs), you already know that the most talked about, photographed, and obsessed over summer birds are, of course, Piping Plovers. After all, no blog of mine would be complete without at least mentioning them. However, this time, I have more to share than just another update on my endless quest to obtain halfway decent photos of the chicks (a pursuit that has succeeded, by the way). As of last Saturday, the remaining three unbanded Piping Plover chicks were finally banded. Additionally, the oldest three chicks just fledged this Wednesday! This is excellent news for the success of Piping Plovers at Whitefish Point and in the Great Lakes region as a whole. Once again, we are grateful for the hard work of our onsite Piping Plover monitor, Alec Olivier, and the skilled conservation team that coordinates the banding of these birds.

A Piping Plover chick right before banding. Photo by Blake Carlile.

It feels strange to say it for the second-to-last time, but thank you to all who read my blogs every week! It’s been a fantastic summer! As I alluded to at the start of this blog, I’ll be saving the tear-stained goodbyes for next week.

Until next time,

Blake Carlile

2021 Summer Outreach Intern

Featured Photo: A Piping Plover chick runs across the mud shortly before being banded. 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.