Whitefish Point provides a phenomenal concentration spot for migrant birds. Here, land and water features create a natural migration corridor. Tens of thousands of birds are funneled to the Point every Spring and Fall while migrating through the Great Lakes region. For over 30 years, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory has been monitoring and documenting these annual migrations. Our mission is to document the distribution and abundance of birds in the Great Lakes Region, with special emphasis on migration.
WPBO Trip Report: Winter Birding around the Soo I
On January 14 & 15, WPBO held its first bird tour of the year, Winter Birding the Soo. The trip started with temperature at -14 F. A little cold, but these diehard birders were ready for the frigid temperatures. However, the birds were not. It was a slow morning. We started out at the Edison Sault Electric Plant, and found a few Common Goldeneye in the water, looking as cold as we were. Next, we traveled to the Sugar Island Ferry Dock. With fog as thick as stew, we were able to identify the silhouettes of two Bald Eagles perched in the distance.
Spring Fling 2012
This April 27 - 29 marks the 24th Annual WPBO Spring Fling, when members and their guests “migrate” to Paradise, Michigan and the Whitefish Point area to visit with old friends, both human and avian. Many activities have been planned for another refreshing weekend of birding experiences.
Birders can expect excellent birding along with opportunities to learn more about avian migration and conservation in the Great Lakes. Attendees will learn from fellow birders, field trip leaders, and guest speakers.
Richard Crossley, the author of the revolutionary The Crossley ID Guide, is this year's banquet speaker.
Register Now - Winter Birding around the Soo II
WPBO has opened an additional Winter Birding around the Soo trip, for February 11th & 12th. The January trip has filled and registration is now closed. We need a minimum of 5 participants to make this trip a go, so.... Register now.
Winter birding in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan can be an amazing experience. Snowy Owls, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Shrikes are almost always present. Great Gray Owls, Northern Hawk Owls, Gyrfalcons, Northern Goshawks, Hoary Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings are possible. WPBO has conducted these winter trips for over 15 years.
Another Issue of THE WPBO MIGRANT has Landed!
The November, 2011 issue of The WPBO Migrant has hit the newsstands, err, I mean the website. This issue wraps up our spring activities, with stories on our spring hawk and waterbird counts and spring owl banding. There are also stories on unusual sightings (Lucy's Warbler) and a message from Tony Janisch, the WPBO director. Check it out here.