IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE PAUSE OF OWL BANDING AT WPBO

Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Owl research remains an important part of Michigan Audubon’s commitment to avian conservation, and we deeply value the interest and support of our community in this work. At this time, the owl banding program at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory remains paused in 2025.

With the recent addition of a new Director of Research, we are carefully assessing how our scientific efforts can best contribute to conservation outcomes. Additionally, we are mindful of the presence of another research group conducting owl banding in the vicinity. To minimize stress on the birds, we have decided not to conduct our own banding activities at this time. While this group is not affiliated with Michigan Audubon or WPBO, we remain committed to best practices in avian research, ensuring that our work aligns with ethical standards and prioritizes bird welfare.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community as we navigate these considerations. Michigan Audubon remains committed to advancing owl research and conservation, and we look forward to sharing updates as we continue this important work.

Thank you for your support of Michigan Audubon and WPBO.

Stay Connected

We remain committed to sharing updates about WPBO and the owl banding program as new information becomes available. Please continue to check this page for the latest developments. Also please watch for future communications to provide your input and to be a part of future efforts at WPBO.

If you have any questions or concerns, we welcome you to reach out directly at [email protected]. We value your input and are here to listen.

RAPTOR COUNT DATA NOW AVAILABLE LIVE

Exciting news for bird enthusiasts! You can now follow the raptor count at Whitefish Point in real-time on Trektellen. This unique opportunity allows you to witness migration patterns as they happen and stay up-to-date with the latest raptor sightings. Simply visit Trektellen to explore the daily counts and learn more about the diverse species passing through this critical migration corridor. Keep checking back for new updates, and experience the thrill of Whitefish Point’s fall migration as it unfolds!