The 2021 Birdathon at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory on May 30 was a successful and exciting day, with 152 species counted! Our field staff and dedicated volunteers worked together to identify species such as the Parasitic Jaeger, Red-throated Loon, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and Piping Plover throughout the day!

“This was my first time coming to Whitefish Point as a birder, as well as my first time participating in Birdathon. I’ve heard this is a spectacular place for birds, but I didn’t expect the flock of 500 Blue Jays above my head when I exited my car. I also didn’t expect to make so many friends and meet so many amazing birders and human beings. Everyone was educated and passionate about birds; I felt as though I had found my flock. People aside, the birding was excellent. Numerous warblers, shorebirds, raptors, and wayward vagrants found their way into my sights and onto my eBird checklist. Birdathon was such a fun and incredible experience. I will participate in Birdathon every year I can.”

Joyanne Mittig, Birdathon Volunteer

To learn more about Birdathon and how you can donate, visit wpbo.org/birdathon.

Thank you for being a friend and supporter to Whitefish Point in the past, and for playing a part in preserving this special place for birds and people for generations to come.

This article appeared in the 2021 Summer Jack Pine Warbler.

A Red-tailed Hawk observed during the 2021 Birdathon.
Photo by Rich Couse