Bird Migration (Waterbird) Counter

Position:  Bird Migration (Waterbird) Counter at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Dates of Employment: August 15 – November 22, 2025

Compensation: $12.48-$13.50/hour; 5-day work week; maximum of 45-hours per week

Housing: Communal housing (4 ppl or less) in fieldhouse 2 miles from work location.

Classification: Temporary/Seasonal

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO), a program of Michigan Audubon, is one of the premier migration locations in North America. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, more than 340 species have been recorded at Whitefish Point (eBird Hotspot). Waterbird migration and research has been conducted at WPBO for over 40 years, with an average annual fall waterbird count of nearly 90,000 individuals of over 70 species.  Highlights include over 18,000 Long-tailed Ducks, 3,000 White-winged Scoters, and nearly 12,000 Red-necked Grebes annually, as well as vagrants such as Eiders and Jaegers. The research staff at WPBO are ambassadors to promote Michigan Audubon’s mission of “connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research efforts in the state of Michigan”.

Michigan Audubon is seeking a Bird Migration Counter at WPBO to document the migration of waterbirds, including ducks, loons, grebes, shorebirds, and larids through Whitefish Bay. The Counter will also engage with public as count conditions permit. The Counter will also be responsible of creating weekly blog and social media posts highlighting the week’s count, as well as an end of season report and article for MA’s monthly publication, Jack Pine Warbler. Additional tasks such as maintaining the feeder station or minor upkeep of WPBO property may be needed, as assigned by the Counter’s supervisor.

Primary duties:

• Identify and count migrating waterbirds (ducks, loons, grebes, shorebirds, and larids/allies), in flight as well as migrating non-waterbirds (e.g. raptors, near-passerines, passerines).
• Use standardized data recording and management (Trektellen and eBird)
• Engage with the general public at the waterbird count location as an ambassador of MA
• Create weekly blog and social media posts with highlights from the count
• Complete an end of season report following a template along with an article or Q&A story for possible publication by MA.

Qualifications:

• Writing skills (relate the report, social media, Q&A or article for MA publication, photos)
• Demonstrated experience counting waterbirds in flight at great distance. Additionally, experience documenting other migrating bird groups is preferred.
• Data entry and management experience, include use of a tablet and Trektellen during live count. Experience with Trektellen preferred.
• A dedicated, self-motivated individual who can both work well with people and endure challenging conditions in a remote location is required. Late-season weather is often harsh and very cold, with few people visiting the site in these conditions.
• Previous environmental interpretation and/or teaching skills are ideal, but a passion for connecting bird and habitat conservation to the community is essential.
• Ability to work independently and with team members – including home office staff – with a positive attitude, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills for blogs, social media, and end of season report.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current, valid driver’s license, and have a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Must be in good physical condition and able to withstand cold working conditions.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the needs of program and organization, including the potential of working overtime hours.
• Must have a personal pair of binoculars; having a spotting scope and camera are preferred.
• Eligible for work in the United States and willing to undergo a background check.