Field Notes

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 [...]

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 [...]

This week Whitefish Point has been graced with warm weather (albeit with some rain) and an astounding lack of biting insects. I assume these factors could help explain why the Point has been the busiest I've ever seen it this summer — even outpacing the 4th of July weekend. Yet, the influx of crowds [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]