Experience Photography in Michigan's Paradise

December 20, 2017 the Paradise Area Tourism Council chose their 2017 PHOTO CONTEST winner from among seven category finalists.  Huntington Woods, Michigan resident, Laura Dailey-Pelle won the 2017 contest with her Spring in Paradise entry of a sunrise on Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. 

Spring in Paradise by Laura Dailey-Pelle, Huntington Woods, Michigan

“Selecting one finalist at the end of the year was challenging.  Some of these photographers put in a great deal of effort to get just the right shot,” explained Paradise Area Tourism Council President, Jim Stabile.  Entries in the final round were submitted by photographers: Terry Humphrey, Eckerman, Michigan, Jessica Scroggin, Seymour, Indiana, Suzy Drouse, Pinconning, Michigan, Rachelle Drayton, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Rob Brooks of Seymour, Indiana.  The 2017 finalist receives recognition through the council’s website, social media, and a $100 Grand Prize.

The council was so pleased with the quality of entries received in 2017 that they voted to conduct a similar contest in 2018.  The 2018 schedule for category entries is listed in the following table.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE	TOPIC	PUBLICATION DATE
January  9, 2018	WINTER IN PARADISE	January 16, 2018
February 12, 2018	SNOWMOBILING IN PARADISE	February 19, 2018
March 13, 2018	EXPERIENCE MICHIGAN'S PARADISE	March 19, 2018
April 10, 2018	BIRDING	April 16, 2018
May 8, 2018	WHITEFISH POINT	May 14, 2018
June 12, 2018	TAHQUAMENON UPPER FALLS	June 18, 2018
July 10, 2018	CRISP POINT LIGHTHOUSE	July 16, 2018
August 7, 2018	POINT IROQUOIS LIGHTHOUSE	August 13, 2018
September 11, 2018	TAHQUAMENON LOWER FALLS	September 17, 2018
October 9, 2018	PADDLING	October 15, 2018
November 13, 2018	HIKING	November 19, 2018
December 11, 2018	FALL COLORS IN PARADISE	December 17, 2018
FINALIST SELECTED		December 18, 2018

Each month the council reviews the entries received, and determines those images that advance to the final round. The winner at the end of the year receives a $100 gift card.  For additional information about the 2018 Photo Contest can be found on the www.MichigansParadise.com website. 

A Significant Ornithologist Experience

Wikipedia defines "Spring is one of the four conventional temperate seasons, following winter and preceding summer. There are various technical definitions of spring, but local usage of the term varies according to local climate, cultures and customs"  At Whitefish Point the local climate and  geologic features culminate in a plethora of activities that are not common across the continental United States. "Spring brings the smelt runs on the streams, wild bird migration, and beachcombers searching the shore for agates and unique driftwood; mushrooms pop up and are sought by many." Reflections on Paradise, 1989.  Whitefish Point is a mecca for birders -- Whitefish Point is on one of the busiest migratory flight paths in the world.

"The land and water surrounding the Point (Whitefish Point, Paradise, Michigan) create a kind of corridor, channeling thousands of migratory birds into it.  By January 1, 2003 a total of 318 species had been observed  Different types of birds have their own manner of arrival:  'Water birds concentrate as they travel in and out of Lake Superior.  Raptors follow the land that provides rising columns of swirling warm air to power their travels.  Meanwhile, songbirds funnel through the peninsula in an attempt to minimize the distance they have to travel over open water and the perils that such a journey entails.'" Remotely Yours, Jan McAdams Huttenstine, East West Press, LLC, 2010, p. 224, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory 25th Anniversary Member's Cookbook, 2003, Paradise.

Courtesy Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

"Spring migration (mid-March to mid-May is highlighted by Bad Eagles and as many as 15,000 to 25,000 other raptors.  In mid-April, the impressive spring water bird migration begins (20,000 to 45,000 birds).  Fall migration (mid-August through October) brings a spectacular show of 50.000 - 100,000 water birds."  Remotely Yours, Jan McAdams Huttenstine, East West Press, LLC, 2010, p. 225.  Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Pamphlet, (Lansing: Michigan Audubon Society), 2009.

Experience the season of spring and its unique ornithological characteristics,  come to the Whitefish Point and experience Michigan's Paradise.  Whitefish Point Bird Observatory will be hosting their 29th Spring Fling, April 29 - 30, 2017.  Josh Haas is the keynote speaker this year. Showcasing his knowledge of hawks on the wing and sharing his expertise in identifying them at a distance.  Sign up for a field trip and learn more about the coveted Spruce Grouse.  Whether a beginner or experienced birder, attending this conference will offer you a significant ornithologist experience.