Northern Wheatear update, Alger Co 6/6

[theowlranch at aol.com]

Howdy folks,

The Northern Wheatear was observed until shortly before 8 PM this evening (June 6) Pat McConeghy (the homeowner & finder of the bird), Louie Dombroski, Caleb Putnam & myself. We spent most of the afternoon observing this fantastic bird feeding in Pat's next-door neighbors yard. 
They live right along the Grand Marais harbor, right up against the beach dunes. The Wheatear primarily fed along a short stone pile wall, occasionally onto the lawn. Occasionally it would disappear behinds the neighbors house, but never for very long (10-ish minutes).
We were treated to excellent looks, and many local birders were able to come see this bird, as well as a very happy group of Texans who got more then they bargained for on their search for "northern" birds in the UP!

Hopefully the bird is still around in the morning, Pat said birders are welcome. I do want to add the caveat if you try for this bird, be very respectful of private property along the GM waterfront. The Piping Plover folks are hard at work monitoring 4 pairs of Pipers here and while most of the beach front home owners are supportive, there are a few homeowners who have a more tense relationship with the monitors so please use extra discretion and not trespass. 

For photos, go to the 2008 photo gallery at www.UPBirders.org

Here are the directions - it is 1/2 mile east off H-58, to
Ball Street. There is a church on the South side of H58, you cross over
a small brook and then hit Ball Street (basically a gravel driveway) heading north (towards the lake). Head down Ball
street and Park on the right side before you get to the houses. Just as
Ball Street makes a sharp right, walk to the second home (Pat
McConeghy). Come around the back (careful of flowers stay on the deck or the east side of the house) and look into
yard of the red-paneled neighbor's house. The bird is in their
backyard along the stone wall.

Pat will give me a call in the morning if he sees the bird and I will get an update to the net.

Good luck to all who try for this one!

~Skye Haas
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