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. With the recent addition of a new Director of Research, we are carefully assessing [...]
At Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, every season brings unique challenges and opportunities — and winter is no exception. As the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, preparing for the months ahead is crucial. One key task is relocating the Waterbird Station to its winter home, ensuring it’s protected from the harsh elements [...]
With the addition of Hannah Leabhart to the WPBO team as the official waterbird counter for the fall, I have spent more time in the woods over the past week while helping with the count as Hannah adjusts to her new role. My first project was fixing the bird feeder setup behind the Owl’s [...]
Please be advised, Fall Owl Banding for 2024 is currently suspended. Owl banding is WPBO’s most resource-intensive program. We’re using this pause to thoroughly evaluate its structure, costs, and impact, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This period allows us to optimize resources, ensuring the program maximizes conservation outcomes and cost-effectiveness when it resumes. This [...]
For the past two weeks, Whitefish Point has been virtually ploverless. On August 5, a fledgling from Vermilion stopped by for a brief rest and has not returned since. The exclosure at the Point. Photo by Stephanie Owens Sunday struck a nostalgic chord as I ventured to the beach to clean up [...]
It appears that the Piping Plover breeding season is practically at its close. I last saw Little Bill Bob with his chick on July 28. Now, I hike the beach from end to end, with my plover findings turning up short. O chick has shown sporadically, and I feel a twinge of sadness when [...]
Baby takes flight! Little Bill Bob peeping to Baby. Photo by Stephanie Owens On July 21, I observed Little Bill Bob with his chick lounging around near their old exclosure. Suddenly, Bob flew away out of sight. I sat there looking at Baby, a bit puzzled, wondering why Bob left in such [...]
Baby is a Bob! On Sunday, July 7, Baby was banded. His code is X,B/O/B:O,B (I say that he is a Bob because of the triple split Blue/Orange/Blue band). The number 270 appears on his blue band, and a green dot appears on the orange band just above. These are his chick bands, and [...]
The last chick lives! "Baby" on June 29. Photo by Stephanie Owens After last week's turbulence, I'm happy to report our plover family is alive and well. My days are now occupied with watching Vie and Little Bill Bob care for their chick. I've been calling the chick "Baby" in reference to [...]
Merlin sitting in the tree line. Photo by Stephanie Owens On Sunday, I walked onto the beach with hope and excitement. I wasn’t sure if the eggs would hatch that day, but I knew that they would come sometime soon. Almost as if a bad omen, a Merlin sat perched at the [...]
