[Mich-chat] Lake County Henslow's Sparrows

[stout]

Hi birders,

We were able to locate 3 or perhaps 4 singing male Henslow's Sparrows 
in Southeast Lake County (Chase Township) on Monday 22 June.

They were located "around the corner" from previous year's 
locations.  To find these birds check the fields on Deer Lake Road 
(both sides) just north of the intersection of 80th St.  A spotting 
scope is very helpful for viewing these birds as they (hopefully) 
perch up in the grasses and weeds to sing.  All the land is private 
but with patience the birds can be seen from the road.

I did not hear any at the previous year's location, but I haven't 
been there enough to say that they are not there, so it would be 
worth checking also.  It is on 88th street between Hawkins Road and 
Deer Lake Road.  The traditional site is on the south side of the 
road about 1/5 of a mile west of Deer Lake Road near the lone Maple 
tree that is next to the road.  Also at this location are Sedge Wrens 
and in past years I have heard Clay-colored Sparrows on the north 
side of 88th in the spruce planting.

Easiest travel to these sites would be to take US 10 to Hawkins Road 
(Hawkins is 2 miles west of the Lake/Osceola County line).  To get to 
the first site take Hawkins 3 miles south to 80th St and travel east 
to Deer Lake Road.  Turn north on Deer Lake road to check the 
fields.  The 88th street site is just a mile south of the 80th/Deer 
Lake intersection (again, just west of Deer Lake Road on 88th).

Roads in the area are generally pretty good and are in fine shape 
now, but if you happen to come after heavy rains, the dirt roads can 
get tricky/slippery.  I DO NOT recommend Lakola Road (on the County 
Line) between 80th and 88th for travel as it is hilly, narrow and 
very rutted and rocky and very slippery after heavy rains.

Have fun!

Bonnie