Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is an affiliate of Michigan Audubon, with a mission to document the distribution and abundance of birds in the Great Lakes region, with special emphasis on migration. Research projects focus on assessing the status of bird populations and movements. Research data is used to increase our knowledge of bird migration, to encourage public awareness of birds and their environment, and to further conservation birds and their habitat.
Activities of the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory take place on 2.7 acres of a 30 acre tract maintained cooperatively with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society located in Whitefish Township, Chippewa County, 9 miles north of Paradise, Michigan. A mix of open beach, temporary swales and wetlands, and sparse jack pine stands provide a phenomenal concentration point for migrating birds. Land and water features create a natural corridor, funneling thousands of migrating birds to the "Point" providing spectacular birding, especially in spring, and unique opportunities for research, education and conservation programs. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, merlins, boreal owls, great gray owls, red-throated loons, red-necked grebes, scoters and jaegers can be seen during migration.
