Subject:          Re: MICHIGAN BIRDING
To:               ajmtwof@pacbell.net
Date sent:        Thu, 25 Mar 1999 17:32:29 -0500 (EST)
From:             "Michael Robert Wasilco" <wasilcom@pilot.msu.edu>
Copies to:        birders@umich.edu

The Munuscong Bay State Wildlife Area located about 20 miles Se of Saut
Ste Marie is a good location for finding waterfowl, as well as ruffed
and Sharp-tailed grouse, bobolink, and LeConte's Sparrows.

This area consists of a large coastal wetland as well as an area of
grassland and small wetlands just inland from the coastal area.  This
area is described in the Watchable Wildlife book put out by the DNR and
Michigan State University Press.  The road to the campground is a
dependable location to find ruffed grouse and the scenic lookout at the
end of the road is right at the marsh and supports many different
birds.  The best spot for Sharptailed grouse and  the other birds is
the wetland/grassland complex inland from there at the intersection of
riverside(22 mile) and Gray roads.  The grouse are usually in the
fields, but often hard to find if they are not dancing.  The bobolink
often line the brush along the roads.  The LeConte's Sparrows are
easiest to find by walking up to the edge of a pond and watching for
them to come to the edge of the cover.

This is often also a good area to see short-eared owls at dusk.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

>
> I and nine others will be birding Michigan in mid-May(8-23);  Berrien
> County, Pt. Pelee, Saginaw  Bay, Mio/Graying, Whitefish Point and
> Seney Wildlife Refuge.  Based on previous trips, we generally know
> where to go and what we will be doing.  However, we could use some
> help finding a few birds.  In particular, suggestions for finding
> Henslow Sparrow, Le Conte's Sparrow, Boreal Chickadee, Ruffed Grouse,
> Sharptail Grouse and Spruce Grouse.  Any possibilities for
> Dickcissel?  Bobolink? Connecticut Warbler?  Cerulean Warbler? 
> Whipoor Will? We are aware of the area out the Vermillion Road for
> Spruce Grouse and have in the past found Boreal Chickadee near the
> Taquamanon River mouth.  Any help, directions or guidance you can
> provide will be helpful.  If you have ideas of suggestions for other
> birds they are welcome.  Thanks in advance.   We are looking forward
> to our visit to Michigan.
>
--
Michael R. Wasilco
wasilcom@pilot.msu.edu