Swing through NLP, etc.

[Dmcwhir513@aol.com]

Chatskis -

Just did a quickmarch 2.56 day swing through the NLP.  I have a friend 
visiting from Japan in the last few days of June and the first two of July and was 
doing some advance work, especially for potential roadside Kirtland's.

It will be interesting to see what the birds will be doing 3 weeks from now.  
I actually bought an iPod, and, if I can figure out how to use it in time, 
will be doing some limited playing of songs (no, not the Kirtland's).  I am not 
so keen on what the insects will be doing then, they were almost negligible on 
this trip.

Had nearly 140 species, including 16 warblers.  With the idea of showing 
lifers to another birder, I was struck all over again by how many birds I don't 
see (or even try to see).  Saw only 5 warbler species.  Not many "rare" birds, 
but had Semipalmated Sand and White-rumped still on migration.  Had a 
way-out-of-place Marsh Wren in a scrubby wet area just inside Presque Isle Co.  Had a 
flying Virginia's there as well, not an every day sight.

Here's what I did not encounter.  Not one Upland Plover or Ruffed Grouse.  
Only one Grasshopper Sparrow at many field stops, and no Henslow's.  Other field 
species, like Bobolink and Savannah, seemed fine.  One Red-shouldered and one 
Red-tailed; otherwise, no hawks.  

Lots of Black-billed Cuckoo calling and a few of the other sort.  Quite a few 
singing Purple finches.  Wonderful dawn chorus of 4-5 Hermit Thrush near Mio 
on Sunday.

Excellent home made brauts at Nowicki's (?) in Rogers City  (the jalapeno / 
onion was killer).

Did not catch up to Santner in any of the counties except one. Had a good 
time, but sorry I missed the teal at Mouille.  Maybe it will stick.

Doug McWhirter
10112 W Holt
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-646-8151


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