We are currently accepting donations to fund the 2026 owl banding project. Please join us in our efforts to continue this important research!

Sponsor a Long-eared Owl transmitter

Unveiling the Mysteries of Long-eared Owls

Long-eared Owl population trends are challenging to monitor, with a decline of 50% in North America since 1970. Whitefish Point, MI is the premier Long-eared Owl migratory site in North America. There are very few recaptures through banding, leaving us wondering where these owls are going after they leave Michigan. We will use cutting-edge GPS telemetry to track at least ten owls, gathering up to 1.5 years of data on migratory routes, breeding and wintering locations of this poorly understood species. The primary objective of this project is to increase our understanding of Long-eared owl movement patterns over a period of several seasons. Our work will enhance overall knowledge and assist scientists and agencies in adapting land conservation and management strategies.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Each transmitter costs $3500, which includes the satellite transmitting costs for up to 1.5 years. If you or your group choose to sponsor an owl, you will receive monthly updates, including a map of where your owl is, and what it might be doing at that time (breeding, wintering, migrating). You will also be listed on our Long-eared Owl Project page as a sponsor and given the honor of naming your owl. A great investment for an individual or group! Please contact us to get started or ask questions.

Current Sponsors:

Paradise Area Community Foundation
www.pacfwhitefishtownship.com

We have received a grant from PACF to fund the very first transmitter! We are very excited to have our first bird funded through our own small community, and look forward to bringing more information to this page as the season progresses. Check back in April to learn more about this individual owl.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions, please contact us.

  • All donations to the Friends of Whitefish Point are processed through our financial sponsor Lake Michigan Bird Observatory and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

  • Yes, upon completion of the donation transaction you will automatically be sent a receipt to the email that was listed with the donation.

  • In addition to donations, we also welcome any assistance in the form of equipment donations, nest box monitoring, and volunteering. If you’d like to help, please contact us.