Stromboli's Rolling Log: Day 59-- Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO)

The visitors were few as the air was cold yet, but the sun was shining all day and felt good after the rain and miserable weather of Tuesday. We returned to WPBO and added to the birds we observed, as there were counters and observers both at the Point by the water where the birds "round the corner" on the way to Canada (17 miles ) and points north. The other place to watch was the Hawk Platform at thend of many stairs where the spotter records the hawks (and other birds ) that fly over, or around the Point.

Some of the steps to the counting hawk platform

The bird counter at the Point. Brr!

There were many hawks today as this week seemed to be a "peak week"of sorts. One day this week the spotter counted 940 Sharp shinned Hawks and they were still around today but not in those numbers. There were Bald Eagles (the Golden Eagles have already gone north ) , and Rough Legged, Broad Winged, Sharp Shinned Hawks and , Northern Harrers, Red Tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Kestrels, Merlin, and I did see one Perigrine Falcon. That was a real treat.

Ruth watched the birds near the feeder and was treated to a Sharp Shinned Hawk that came in close twice to try to get a bird at the feeder. (Missed two times). I didt the walking to both the Point and talked with the spotter there and also to the Hawk Platform where the spotter was "Brett" from Montana. This was his first time at the Point to do the. He has been a spotter before.

All in all it was a good day with more than 40 bird species counted, including the Great Blue Hernthat flew over this evening in the campground.

Tomorrow will be our last full day here as we transition to the Southern Peninsula and West Branch for two nights. More on that later as we visit our family, the Ward's in West Branch. Some photos follow about today.