Whitefish Point in May can vary from cold to hot and from windy to still, sometimes it rains and sometimes it snows. It’s OK when it rains because it is typically intermittent and migrants, especially waterfowl still moves. But when it snows everything that I want to see stops. Well, last night it snowed, althoughContinue reading “Time to head south for a few days”
Tag Archives: michigan
What migrating birds will today offer?
This morning facing north (left) and south (right). It’s quite windy out of the WNW, but otherwise has the makings of a beautiful day. Yesterday, on the other hand was spectacular. There were close to 2,000 Sharp-shinned Hawks in the sky as they passed heading north, as well as stopping to hunt. Small birds, likeContinue reading “What migrating birds will today offer?”
A cool May morning
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”
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”
It’s time for lichens
It’s a beautiful morning here at Whitefish Point. The first clear morning since we’ve up here this month. Clear at this time of year means cold. As I am sitting here and writing it’s 28F and fortunately with very very little wind. Yesterday on our walk to the point it was obvious that lichens wereContinue reading “It’s time for lichens”
Michael's Place 