Brown Pelican (NO), Allegan County, Sept 5

[Caleb Putnam]

Mich-Listers-

I tried for a few hours to locate the Brown Pelican in Saugatuck, today, 
Sept 5 2004, from noon- 2:30 PM without success.  I checked the Saugatuck 
harbor from a couple vantages (downtown Saugatuck, and one south of the blue 
star highway bridge) at about noon, then drove out to Shore Acres Township 
Park (per Rick Brigham's directions).  I walked the 1 mile trail out to the 
lake, and viewed from that spot only.  The mid-day heat waves were pretty 
bad, which made long-range viewing terrible, even with my scope.  Had the 
bird been standing near the north breakwall, I probably wouldn't have been 
able to pick it out.

All in all, a difficult chase requiring some serious luck and a workout.  
Access to parking in Saugatuck was nil- shoppers everywhere.  In my view, 
the best bet would be taking a boat around the harbor and down the channel 
out to the lake, and even cruising the Lake Mich. shoreline- anyone got a 
boat?  Alternatively, you could walk out to the north breakwall from the 
Shore Acres Park beach access (at least 3-4 miles of hiking round trip) and 
hope to see the bird pass by at some point during the day.

Lastly, please note that I have moved from Kalkaska to Grand Rapids.

Good Birding,
Caleb

Caleb G Putnam
Grand Rapids, MI
larus10 at hotmail.com

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