Whitefish Point, MI |
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In 1997, from April 15 to May 31, waterfowl biologists counted 42,260 waterfowl of 64 species.
As the birds come to the flyway over Lake Superior, many stop for a time in the Whitefish Point area to feed and rest.
Whitefish Point is a migration focal point and home of the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Last land going north, first land coming south, it sees everything going by, and that makes it famous for birds and shipwrecks.
The visitor center is located across from the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Information is available on the paths around the Point and local bird lists are maintained. Although the natural features of the point bring many birds, the area is especially known for its raptors and water birds. Birders from all over migrate here in the spring and fall, when the hawks, eagles, goshawks, falcons and owls prepare for or recover from their journey across Superior to the great mouse-hunting areas of the North and South.
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The Observatory offers scheduled programs and extended hours in the spring during migration. The raptor migration is phenomenal in the spring, and excellent water bird flights can be seen both spring and fall. Whitefish Point is also a spring and fall hot-spot for warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds.
Bird enthusiasts from all over the nation and other countries visit the Point to witness the spectacular migration to and from the northern breeding grounds. An elaborate series of wooden walkways has been constructed to allow the visitor a chance to venture into the sanctuary area and observe wildlife.
On migration weekends, visitors can listen to short presentations or enjoy supervised activities "in the field," such as bird identification walks or observing the capture of live birds for banding purposes. (Programs are offered on weekdays on a limited basis.)
The Visitor Center and gift shop is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily, April, May, June, September, and October. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during July and August.
For more information, call 1-906-492-3596.
The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory documents the distribution and abundance of bird migration, and is operated by the Michigan Audubon Society.
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Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
Some of this information is from the book Northern Flights, Tracking the Birds and Birders of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, by Sheryl DeVore. Published by Mountain Press Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2399, Missoula MT 59806. 1-800-234-5308. e-mail: mtnpress@montana.com www.mtnpress.com
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