[Mich-listers] LeConte's Sparrow, Delta County, 3/24/12

[Ryan Dziedzic]

Mich-listers:

   On a first visit to Portage Marsh in Delta County today, I encountered a
very early and breeding plumaged LECONTE'S SPARROW.  This bird was found
alone foraging near a row of alder/sweet-gale (a young foredune in a
dune-swale complex) and was very cooperative affording great looks at close
range.  To find the bird, Portage Point and the surrounding marsh is at the
end of Portage Point Road (p. 512 in a "Birder's Guide to Michigan"), which
is just south of Escanaba along M-35.  Once the road dead ends (yellow
gate), walk to the very end of the dike where it turns right.  Instead of
turning left, walk straight out into the marsh towards the lake and search
the alder/sweetgale foredune.

Good luck,

Ryan Dziedzic
Oil City, Midland County