Well, with the limited diversity these days, Nova and I were somewhat excited to have a Fox Sparrow show up at the feeders at the staff housing today. As fate would have it, the Northern Shrike that has been making the occasional raid on our feeders was even more excited (Nova's photo above). Other birds at the housing feeders today were Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Red-breated Nuthatch, Pine Grosbeak (photo below), and Common Redpoll. The weather turned on us and we've had well over a foot of snow and high winds over the last few days. More is expected, along with 40 mph wind gusts tomorrow. Prior to the storm the feeders at the Point were still being visited by Red-winged Blackbird, Pine Grosbeaks, and Common and Hoary Redpolls. A handful of waterbirds were also still around; Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Grebe and Long-tailed Duck. Other sightings included Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bald Eagle, and Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Nova and I made the trek over to the upper falls in Tahquamenon State Park during the first snow fall (photo below). Truly beautiful in the snow.

Highlights: Prairie Warbler, Hoary Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak

The Prairie Warbler continues to hang on in spite of snow and low temperatures. At least 2 Hoary Redpolls, were among the 50 Common Redpolls at the feeders today. Nine Pine Grosbeaks were also at the feeders, along with a Red-winged Blackbird and a Snow Bunting. Nova and I had an amazing experience with 5 River Otters (photo above) near the Tahquamenon River mouth this afternoon. These otters fished near shore, within 30 feet of us for about 20 minutes.

I have begun posting some of my photos, from this and previous seasons at the Point, at the bottom of the page. We would also like to encourage people to post comments about the blogs at this time. Cory, Keith, Wendy, and I were amazed by the positive feedback we recieved on the blogs from visitors this fall. It was particulary amazing to have people from as far away as North Carolina visit and tell us that they had been checking our posts. This is the first season there has been official WPBO staff blogs, we would like to continue this. It would be helpful if WPBO board members could see positive feedback, so please post comments if you would like to see these real time updates from the Point continue. As I post this, I'm hoping people are still checking this blog.....Hello?.......Hello?

The Whitefish Point Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, December 22. Any interested parties should contact Skye Haas at theowlranch@aol.com.

Highlights: Cape May Warbler (photo above), Bohemian Waxwing, Northern Goshawk, and Hoary Redpoll

A Cape May Warbler, first found on the 17th, was relocated again today. The temperatures have dropped over the last few days, and seeing this bird foraging in the snow was very strange. The Prairie Warbler, first located on October 22, was seen as recently as the 21st. Activity around the Point has dropped of recently, there are however still some birds around. Additional sightings today included; Common Loon, Bald Eagle,Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting, Common & Hoary Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak, and American Goldfinch.

In response to a comment on the previous post. We will keep the feeders going until we leave in mid-December. The Evening Grosbeaks are very sporadic, and are not being seen most days. The Pine Grosbeaks are still being seen daily in varying numbers, there are usually 4-12 coming to the feeders daily.

Highlights: White-winged Crossbill

Well, the official field seasons for 2007 came to an end yesterday. Nova and I will however be here until mid December. We will continue birding the Point and will periodically post sightings. A few new birds for the season were spotted by Nova over the last few days; Eastern Bluebird and Cooper's Hawk. There have been no big changes in the woods, but the feeders continue to be productive. Feeder birds have included Northern Cardinal, Pine & Evening Grosbeak, and Common & Hoary Redpoll. The above photo is of a Red-tailed Hawk.
For those who may be interested, I will be posting some of my favorite photos taken at the Point this spring, summer and fall. This will take a bit of sorting and editing, but I hope to start getting some up in a week or so.

Highlights: Townsend's Solitaire (photo above), continuing Prairie Warbler, Hoary Redpoll, Thayer's Gull, and Iceland Gull

Birds at the feeders today included Red-breasted Nuthatch, Chipping and White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Pine and Evening Grosbeak, Common and Hoary Redpoll, and Pine Siskin. The Prairie Warbler was relocated today and a Townsend's Solitaire was observed for about an hour. Both Thayer's and Iceland Gulls were at the harbor this evening (photos below, Thayer's top, Iceland bottom).