Week 2, May 21-27th, at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory brought excitement, territorial drama, strong lake winds, and the discovery of the season's first eggs! Throughout the week, G and V continued to strengthen their bond while defending their territory from visiting Piping Plovers. Piping Plover "G". Photo by Morgan Ness Thursday began [...]
Over the last few weeks, the Piping Plovers have officially returned to Whitefish Point! We are excited to welcome back two familiar birds who have officially paired up for the season. We have X,V:Of,YY ("V" or "Violet"), who has previously nested at the Point, and her partner X,-:O[Y]Gdot ("G"), who has been returning here [...]
Whitefish Point It’s safe to say that the 2025 Piping Plover nesting season has come to a close for Whitefish Point, as it has for many other sites in the Great Lakes. Remaining fledglings near their departure for wintering grounds, and only a few late nesters will stay until the end of August. The [...]
Whitefish Point The 2025 Piping Plover breeding season is coming to a close, and we are on the last few pages of the book. Our three wild chicks have been flying for around for two weeks now. They appear novice as you watch them performing short clumsy flight bursts, but they’ve been traversing around [...]
Whitefish Point Vie’s three chicks, once vulnerable tufts of fuzz atop two toothpicks, have developed into plump fledglings with defined feathers – of which they now use to take flight. Over time their jump tests increased in height and skill, indicating the chicks were progressing right on track. The chicks' fledging has made life [...]
Whitefish Point Vie and her three chicks remain strong. While their official fledge date has come and gone, they aren’t flying just yet, but are so close. Each day, their feathers grow and become more distinct, making their little jump flights increase in air time. PIPL Chick Yellow Dot sits in the sand. [...]
Whitefish Point Vie and her three chicks faced the challenges of last week with resilience. Though I surveyed the entire beach many times, I have been unable to find any sign of Little Bill Bob. With the loss of her mate, Vie has had to shoulder the sole responsibility of looking over her chicks. [...]
Whitefish Point Vie and Little Bill Bob’s life had been going swell for six days, making their way to and from across the shore with four healthy chicks. Until June 28, when Bob went missing. And on Monday the 30th, the chick count decreased to three. The remaining family has held strong and Vie [...]
Whitefish Point One-two-three-four little plover chicks walking across the shore! Little Bill Bob and Vie’s nest hatched Saturday June 21 with four healthy chicks. I spent that morning sitting in the rain with Rusty and Gladys at Vermilion. When I arrived at the Point to see Bob hovering over the nest with feathers ruffled, [...]
Whitefish Point In a few short days tiny Piping Plover chicks will be emerging from their protective shells to venture the shore of Whitefish Point. Vie and Little Bill Bob have kept true to their duty, making my job easy as I watch them peacefully incubate. The chicks are due to hatch June 22. [...]
