Yesterday was surprisingly good for migrant hawks at Whitefish Point. There were a lot of Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Both Golden and Bald Eagles were seen in decent numbers. And in the evening we had a good look at a Long-eared Owl flying by as the sun was setting. Sunrise from the upper deckContinue reading “A cool May morning”
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May 1st, 2026
Watching the sun rise at six this morning was delightful. It was only 28F but the very little wind, so it was quite comfortable. What will the day bring – who knows? But then, that’s the fun isn’t it? Later this morning a bunch of us will be discussing The Friends of Whitefish Point bird-a-thonContinue reading “May 1st, 2026”
Rain and fog today
The restoration site likes an overcast and rainy day. Lichens and false dune heather enjoying the rain. The lichens in the trees are lush. We spent some time with Aaron watching waterfowl pass. Not a lot, but still interesting. More later…
Amazing day with raptors
Yesterday one one of those days that started iffy and turned into amazing. All day small numbers of Northern Harriers passed by. Once they started, Sharp-shinned Hawks came through at a rate of 100-200+ per hour. Nice views of Broad-winged Hawks are always nice. However… Large swirling kettles are better. There are over 100 Broad-wingedContinue reading “Amazing day with raptors”
Sunshine and fog at Whitefish Point
On the 14th of April I helped move the waterfowl shack from it’s winter home to where the waterfowl are counted. Left to right: Kurt, Lynn, Sean, me, Max, Aaron, Jeb and John. Yes, it took eight of us to move this beast. Today it has started out extremely foggy. I couldn’t see more thanContinue reading “Sunshine and fog at Whitefish Point”
Nichols Arboretum: April, 2026
We spent part of yesterday morning at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. Not many bird migrants but a lot of interesting plants. Trilliums were one of the highlights yesterday. We had three species. Common trillium, prairie trillium and either drooping or nodding trillium. Prairie trillium. These can be found along the trails that border DowContinue reading “Nichols Arboretum: April, 2026”
Eagles at Whitefish Point
Yesterday was a funny day. Scattered birds throughout the day than a burst of activity in the mid afternoon. The flight, as it was consisted of a variety of raptors, but was dominated by eagles. That was nice since eagles, both bald and golden are some of my favorite birds. An adult Bald Eagle. WeContinue reading “Eagles at Whitefish Point”
Snow, Cold and Reading
With the cold front that blew in yesterday morning we got out for a walk to the point then spent the rest of the day inside doing stuff and reading. The same view on Saturday (left) and Sunday (right). A depressing dusting of snow. My latest book was Justinian’s Flea. I thought it was goingContinue reading “Snow, Cold and Reading”
And now a cold front
I got up this morning and the temperature was 24F, by 7 AM it had dropped to 20F. Where will it end up? And on top of the temperature swing it snowed. View from the back door showing the dusting of snow. There’s not much, yet it’s still depressing. I’m done with snow for theContinue reading “And now a cold front”
Migration got going yesterday
With constant mild to moderate south-east winds yesterday raptor migration really kicked into high gear. I ad close to 1500 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and several hundred other raptors. Additionally Sandhill Cranes really started migration with over 1000 passing overhead. Things were so busy that I never took a photo. So, all of the photos today wereContinue reading “Migration got going yesterday”
Michael's Place 