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 [...]
Accepting submissions through June 25, 2021. Each year, Michigan Audubon looks forward to the amazing photography submitted to this contest featuring the birds we all love! Not only can your photographs share the beauty of the avian world, they can also help raise awareness about birds and the habitats they depend on in the [...]
On my way through the winding, forest-flanked roads of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I was unsure what to expect when I finally arrived at my destination for the summer, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. After all, my journey from the West Coast to the Great Lakes had been far from uneventful. After an unexpected blizzard, burdensome [...]
In my blog last week, you may recall that I wished for one final push of Broad-winged Hawks. I am happy to report that my wish came true. On the very next day, I counted 780 broad-wings, and by the last day of the count (yesterday), I added another 400 to the season total. [...]
The last day of May signals the last day of the spring waterbird migration count. It's a bit of a bittersweet time; as the season goes, it seems like it has flown by here at Whitefish Point. On the other hand, it can feel like my six weeks here have lasted a lifetime, the [...]
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 [...]
It’s hard to believe how quickly the end of the season is approaching. Field seasons often have a weird time warp to them. It can feel like the start of the season was ages ago, while at the same time feeling like they passed in the blink of an eye. This season feels like [...]
Rough-legged Hawk! Yes, indeed, this beautiful buteo will be taking home the Copper Kettle, our illustrious and in every way, non-existent, totally made-up, Raptor of the Season award. While not an actual award, an old, unusable kettle at the field house could easily be repurposed for just such an honor. With raptor migration winding [...]
For countless hours I stand vigil on the windswept beach of Whitefish Point; my only shelter, the weather-beaten Shack. This season has often looked like this picture, a high sun casting a sparkling glare across the water in front of me. Scan after scan, my eyes set to maximum power, searching the horizon for [...]
We experienced a transition in the owl migration this past week. With the exception of a few bad weather nights that predictably shut down the owl migration last month, we banded Long-eared Owl (LEOW) every night from April 1 through May 16. Despite good conditions, we have not banded any LEOW these last two [...]
