Date sent:        Mon, 27 Oct 1997 09:44:54 -0500
To:               birders@umich.edu
From:             "Raburn L. Howland" <rhowland@umich.edu>
Subject:          Buffleheads and Loons on Portage Lake


 Along with the rain, sleet, snow, and wind this weeekend on Portage
 Lake
we had a couple of new visitors. On Friday we had our first small group
of Buffles and on Sunday afternoon, a pair of Common Loons appeared.
These are in addition to about a dozen Mute Swans and a large (200+)
collection of Coots that have been around for the past couple of weeks
performing their slapstick routines that pass for takeoffs and
landings.

 For those of you who want to venture out into this lovely weather to
possibly see the loons, the best vantage point for viewing the
waterfowl on Portage Lake is probably the small bridge on
Dexter-Pinckney Road over the channel that connects big Portage and
Little Portage Lakes. This location is the main congregating spot for
waterfowl as the weather worsens and the ice increases because the
water in the area is always open. Another good viewing spot is the DNR
launch on McGregor Road about quarter of a mile north of
Dexter-Pinckney Road. Look for the Lady of the Lakes Realty on the
corner as your turning point.