Black-throated Sparrow at Kitchel-Lindquist

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At 11:00 a.m. today (Sept. 12) I observed an adult Black-throated Sparrow at Kitchel Lindquist Dunes in Ottawa County.  I had one unobstructed sustained look at the bird (about 15 seconds) at a distance of about 30 yards with binoculars in good light as it sat in the top on a small white pine.  It flew into the heavy brush and I was unable to find it again.  At first, it appeared to be hanging around with a few chipping sparrows.
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Kitchel Lindquist Dunes is in the City of Ferrysburg (on the north side of the Grand River across from Grand Haven),  From US 31, take the Ferrysburg exit (just north of the bridge over the Grand River).  After exiting, turn west on Third Street which will turn into 174th Ave.  At the intersection of 174th and North Shore Dr., turn west.  Travel on North Shore Dr. about 3 miles to Berwyk St.  (North Shore turns south before you get to Berwyk).  Turn left on Berwyk and travel a short distance to the small parking lot on the left (next to a white restroom building).  From the parking lot, walk the Connie Lindquist Trail (follow the numbered posts along the way – I think #12 is the last one).  At the end of the trail you will come to a road end with a gate.  Across this road, look for the beginning of the Marjorie Hendricks Trail.  The sparrow was seen about 40 yards past the MHT sign along a wood chipped trail.  It was in the small white pines on the right side of the trail and flew into the brush on the left side of the trail.
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Several birders tried to relocate the bird this afternoon with no success.  There will be people looking again this evening.
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Chip Francke to Mich-Listers
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