Field Notes

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!

Midway

Piping Plover with spread wings. Photo by Alec Olivier It's hard to believe, but we're almost halfway through the 2022 Piping Plover season. There isn't much new to report since my last blog, which opposed to migration counting is a good thing. All four active nests are being incubated by their parents [...]

2022-08-12T09:33:27-04:00June 24th, 2022|Field Notes|Comments Off on Midway

Plover Season Begins

Really Tricky. Photo by Alec Olivier Greetings Piping Plover lovers! This summer's Piping Plover field season has started very successfully! As it stands, we are currently at four active Piping Plover nests! This ties the record of four, which was set in 2013. This year, almost all of the nesting adults were also [...]

2022-08-12T09:36:25-04:00June 9th, 2022|Field Notes|Comments Off on Plover Season Begins

For The Last Time

It's 7 or 8 p.m., and I'm listening to the sound of my hiking boots crunch against the rocks and sand with every step. The sky is showing its characteristic amber glow, a trait which the slowly churning lake water reflects eagerly, creating the illusion of a softly glowing Lake Superior. Though this short walk [...]

2021-08-03T13:24:06-04:00July 30th, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on For The Last Time

Less Time, More Treasures

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 [...]

2021-07-23T09:50:00-04:00July 23rd, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on Less Time, More Treasures

Waving Flags and Tiny, Tiny Birds

Surprise! Our two remaining Piping Plover nests have hatched early! In addition to the arrival of wild crowds and star-spangled banners, Whitefish Point had a few new fluffy visitors on Independence Day. While the first of the Piping Plover nests hatched earlier this summer, the other two nests were not predicted to hatch until [...]

2021-07-09T09:30:43-04:00July 9th, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on Waving Flags and Tiny, Tiny Birds

Finally!

Exciting news! This week new life has entered this world in the form of three downy fluffballs — yes, I am talking about our resident Piping Plovers! Just a few days ago, our first Piping Plover hatch of the summer happened successfully under the careful watch of our Piping Plover Intern Alec Olivier and [...]

2021-07-02T09:08:27-04:00July 2nd, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on Finally!

New Discoveries

Early, early, mornings. These are the first three words that come to mind when I think about this last week in the field. While anywhere else, these simple words may be quite unwelcome, here at Whitefish Point, they are a blessing. While shooting a soon-to-be-released video project about what to expect when visiting Whitefish [...]

2021-06-25T10:12:01-04:00June 25th, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on New Discoveries

Sunny Mornings at Last

This week has been full of changes. Perhaps most notably, it seems that Cedar Waxwings have all but replaced the Blue Jays as my noisy and bold companions here at Whitefish Point. While I miss my blue-feathered co-workers, I can't help but appreciate my new comrades' unique look and high-pitched calls. While they aren't [...]

2021-06-18T09:51:40-04:00June 18th, 2021|Field Notes|Comments Off on Sunny Mornings at Last
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