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Recent WPBO Blog Posts
Spring Raptor Count 4/8-4/14–The Unstopping of the Cork
I am happy to announce that spring has arrived to [...]
WPBO Raptor Count 4/1-4/7 – Building Steam
The first week of April is a time of [...]
WPBO 3/25-3/31 – March Recap
The first month of hawk watching at Whitefish Point [...]
WPBO Raptor Count 3/18–3/24: Snow Days
The second week of the Raptor Count was a [...]
WPBO Raptor Count 3/15-17 – New Beginnings!
New Beginnings: Happy Spring! My name is Sean McLaughlin, [...]
2025 Owl Banding | Program Remains Paused for Future Planning
Owl research remains an important part of Michigan Audubon’s commitment [...]
Looking for a specific program? WPBO maintains three blog categories to help you find what you are looking for. Click below to read the latest posts.
This blog is your go-to for recent sightings at the Point, including both the usual suspects and the rare species that have been spotted, more in-depth looks at the habitats found here, educational programming being offered, and more. The unique juxtaposition of land and water at the Point funnels many birds through WPBO and over 340 species have been identified at the Point. Be sure to check this blog for regular updates!
Seasonal staff at WPBO conduct waterbird counts in the spring and fall and a spring raptor count. During the seasons, counts are conducted daily. Raptor counts run March 15-May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Waterbird counts run April 15-May 31 and August 15-November 15, 8 hours starting at dawn daily during each season. The Hawk Deck and Waterbird Shack are accessible to the public, and you can follow this blog to get regular updates during the counting seasons!
WPBO has conducted seasonal owl banding for over three decades. There are currently three owl banding seasons: spring, summer, and fall. Owl banding runs nightly in the spring from March 15-May 31, in the summer from July 1-August 25, and in the fall from September 15-October 31.
IMPORTANT: Please note, owl banding for Fall 2024 is currently paused.
Check this blog during the owl banding seasons to learn more about this research effort and to see photos of the owls banded!