From: "Powell, Curtis" To: "Mich-Listers (mich-listers@envirolink.org)" Date: Sun, 16 May 2004 19:21:53 -0400 Subject: Kirtland's Warbler at Van Buren Park, Wayne, Co. Hi, This morning there was a Kirtland's Warbler at Van Buren Park, Wayne County. It was directly across the open area from where the Lark Sparrow was a week or so ago. The bird was actually in a spruce or cedar tree in the open area and I saw it when it flew to the edge of the woods. It then began feeding on the ground and low in the brush within a few feet of the edge, pumping it's tail constantly. It was very tame and I was able to watch it for a couple of minutes. It was still there when I left. The park is on the I94 service drive, South side of I94 and just East of Rawsonville Rd. (Take the Rawsonville Rd. exit from I94). Go through the entrance station and to the first large open picnic area. You will see a set of colorful playground equipment. In the center of the open area is a large covered picnic area. Using the playground and the picnic area as two points of a line, there is a lone blue porta-john on the opposite side of the open area along this line. The warbler was around there. Note that the park does not open until 8:00 a.m. There is a $2 entry fee, if the booth is attended. I don't know if this is a new birding hotspot, or if I am just incredibly lucky, but I have birded in there a total of two times and have a Lark Sparrow and a Kirtland's Warbler to show for it! Curt Curtis Powell, E.A. Mercer Human Resource Consulting Detroit, MI, USA curtis.powell@mercer.com www.mercerHR.com Office: (313) 259-5500 Fax: (313) 259-2075