Henslow's Sparrows, etc. - Lake County

[stout]

Hi,

We had at least two singing male Henslow's Sparrows this morning in 
the SE corner of Lake County.  The location is 43 degrees 49.796 ' 
North, 085 degrees 35.329' West.  This is in Chase Township, on 88th 
Street between Hawkins Road and Deer Lake Road.  One was singing from 
the north side of the road, and one on the south side.  Easiest route 
to the area is to take US 10 to Hawkins Road south to 88th, turning 
east on 88th.  All the fields along 88th are worth checking, 
especially on the south side, as in past years we have also heard one 
or two HESPs to the west of this year's sighting.  The birds were 
heard and seen from the road (all the land is private).  The birds 
did perch up on weeds and small clumps of willow to sing.  Recipe for 
getting a good look is to combine listening with patience with a 
spotting scope.  Also here were several Sedge Wrens and of course 
lots of Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow as well as 4 
Sandhill Cranes, etc...  In past years we have also heard 
Clay-Colored Sparrow on the north side of the road but have not heard 
them yet this year.

While we have had Henslow's Sparrow in this area of the county in 
previous years, for whatever reason we have never heard Grasshopper 
Sparrow at that or nearby sites even though the habitat looks good 
for them also.   We did get Grasshopper Sparrow to the north of the 
Henslow's area (north of US 10), at the corner of Lakola Rd. and 40th 
Street (SW corner).

Also noteworthy was a Hooded Warbler heard singing this morning in 
Pinora Township, on 40th Street between Hawkins Road and Saddler Road 
about 1/3 mile west of Hawkins.  It was on the south side of the road 
in Beach/Maple forest with heavy understory but unfortunately was 
well back of the road and on private property so is a heard-only bird.

We would be interested to hear of any bird observations in Lake 
County by visiting birders, as we are still building up our knowledge 
of the bird life in the area.

Have fun!

Bonnie Stout
Baldwin, MI