Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

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Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

For more than 40 years, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory has been monitoring and documenting the migration of birds through the Great Lakes.
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Whitefish Point provides valuable, concentrated habitat for migrating birds in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The shape of the point intersects with Lake Superior to create a natural migration corridor, funneling thousand of birds to the Point. This unique location provides spectacular birding and invaluable opportunities for Michigan Audubon to conduct important research, education, and conservation

programs. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO) was established in 1979 to document and study migratory bird populations and their habitats in the Great Lakes Region and is a program of Michigan Audubon, Michigan's oldest conservation organization.

06/25/2026

After nearly a month of incubation, Whitefish Point’s resident Piping Plovers are entering the final stretch before hatch day. Our resident pair of Piping Plovers are now just days away from their expected hatch date (June 28), and the nest has become the center of attention during daily monitoring.

Read Morgan's full blog here: https://ow.ly/v5wZ50ZgPbb

📸V on the beach | Morgan Ness

06/21/2026

Incubation is in full swing at Whitefish Point! Piping Plover parents take turns keeping their eggs warm, often switching duties throughout the day. When its time for a shift change, they preform a careful exchange at the nest so the eggs are rarely unattended. Before settling onto the eggs, a plover will often use its feet and belly to gently wiggle and position them for warmth. With hatch day getting closer, every shift brings these tiny shorebirds one step closer to welcoming a new generation to the beach!

📸V in the water | Morgan Ness

06/18/2026

Piping Plover Week 5 Update

"One memorial moment from this week was watching G interact with a Dunlin along the shoreline, surprising me since G is normally very territorial near their nesting area. The pair continued their shoreline stroll as unlikely friends, and when it was time for G to return to incubation duties, the Dunlin nearly followed him all the way back to the nest."

Read Morgan's full blog here: https://ow.ly/3Ot650ZecOg

Photos by Morgan Ness
📸1 - G and Dunlin
📸2 - G sporting new bands
📸3 - Curious V

06/14/2026

As the seasons change, so do Piping Plovers. During breeding season (March–August), adults sport a bold black neck band, a black forehead bar, and a black-to-orange bill that help attract mates and defend territories. By late summer, these markings fade, giving the birds a much duller appearance. No matter the season, their plumage provides excellent camouflage on beaches, helping them blend into their shoreline habitat and avoid predators. Sometimes the best defense is simply not being seen!

Photos of PIPL "V" by Morgan Ness

06/13/2026

Last chance to support Birdathon!

We're 45% of the way to our fundraising goal, and every donation helps us get closer.

Birdathon supports Michigan Audubon's conservation, education, and research programs, from monitoring bird migration at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory to protecting and managing habitat across the state.

Donate today and help us finish Birdathon strong: https://ow.ly/Iqa450ZbqX0

06/12/2026

Registration is now open for the Fall WPBO Tours!

Experience one of the Midwest’s premier migration hotspots with Michigan Audubon on a two-day birding adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Explore Whitefish Point alongside an expert guide and witness migrating waterbirds, fall warblers, and the possibility of rare vagrant species.

Tour Dates: September 12-13 & October 3-4

Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members

Group Size: Limited to 12 participants

Activity Level: Moderate - Travel is by car caravan along with foot travel over various terrain

Register here: https://www.michiganaudubon.org/upcoming-trips-workshops/

06/11/2026

Piping Plover Updates - Week 4

"The pair spent a majority of the week taking turns incubating their eggs, typically switching off about once every hour. One bird remains on the nest while the other heads to the shoreline to forage, preen, and patrol their territory before returning for the next shift change. While incubation may not as dramatic as courtship or territorial disputes, every day brings the pair one step closer to hatching."

Read Morgan's full blog here: https://ow.ly/zzEQ50ZargA

Photos by Morgan Ness
📸1 - V spreading her wings
📸2 - Foraging PIPL

06/08/2026

Registration for the Fall Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Tours opens this Friday, June 12 at 9 a.m.

Experience one of the Midwest’s premier migration hotspots with Michigan Audubon on a two-day birding adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Explore Whitefish Point alongside an expert guide and witness migrating waterbirds, fall warblers, and the possibility of rare vagrant species.

Tour Dates: September 12-13 & October 3-4
Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members
Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
Activity Level: Moderate - Travel is by car caravan along with foot travel over various terrain

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/fSEi50Z8Tqr

06/07/2026

Whether they're foraging the shoreline, running after killdeer, or incubating eggs, the Piping Plovers at Whitefish Point are a joy to watch! Here, "V" is taking some time to preen. Life on the shoreline can be messy, so Piping Plovers frequently groom their feathers with their beaks to keep them clean and waterproof.

📸 Piping Plover "V" by Morgan Ness

06/04/2026

Week 3 Piping Plover Update

"Last week, our pair finally established an official nest, with 2 eggs. This week two more eggs were laid, for a full clutch of four eggs."

Read Morgan's full rundown of what V and G are up to, as well as a guest appearance by LO: https://ow.ly/CcCY50Z7z07

Photos by Morgan Ness:
📸1 - Mama V
📸2 - V and LO’s girls’ day on the beach

Address

Paradise, MI
49768

Telephone

+15175807364

Website

https://wpbo.org/

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