Michigan Rare Bird Alert, special edition
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN--August 19th, 2005
A WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD* has been confirmed, seen August 18th & 19th,
2005, at the home hummingbird feeder of Jim and Melissa Pappas, AT 8833
River Valley Court. This is located in Hamburg Township, LIVINGSTON COUNTY,
MICHIGAN.
This record (pending review by Michigan Bird Records Committee), would
represent not only the first record for Michigan, but also one of the few
records east of the Mississippi River. (The range map in "Sibley Guide to
Birds" [2000] shows the species has been seen along the US--Mexico border,
but shows no records away from the border).
The homeowners are welcoming birders who wish to see the bird.
In regards to hours of visitation, etc Mellissa Pappas has said:
"[Daylight is] about 6:45 a.m. So, I guess that's about the time that folks
could start
showing up. Please realize that our drive and the roads getting to our drive
are gravel and there are a whole lot of neighbors who will be trying to get
to work about that hour, so please make sure not to block any drives and to
leave plenty of room for cars to get through on the street.
Once you get to the house, it would be best to stay on the grass on the side
of the water feature away from the house. This bird is quite spooky as
compared to the ruby-throateds who couldn't care less if there are people
around. There are several lawn chairs in the yard in the area we suggest and
there is an arbor which can be used as "cover." We should be around (I'll
wear one of my hummingbird T-shirts so y'all can recognize me) if you have
any questions.
So, ya'll come! We are thrilled to share the bird, just please make sure
that we don't upset the neighbors so that everyone who wants to see the bird
gets the chance."
Directions as follows, courtesy of Jim Pappas:
"From US 23 - Take the Silver Lake Road exit #55 and go west to Whitmore
Lake
Rd (old US 23). Go south to Winan's Lake Road and turn west. At the dead end
of Winan's Lake Road turn right on Hamburg Road and make another immediate
right on Van Antwerp Road
(before the bridge over the Huron River). Take Van Antwerp Road to the end
and jog
left then right to River Valley Court. Continue to River Valley Court and
turn right. We are the last house at the end of the drive on the right.
Address: 8883 River Valley Court. 810-623-2681.
Photo and videos have been posted by John Lowry at www.kingbird.org."
Good luck everyone!
Jon Wuepper
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN--August 19th, 2005
A WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD* has been confirmed, seen August 18th & 19th,
2005, at the home hummingbird feeder of Jim and Melissa Pappas, AT 8833
River Valley Court. This is located in Hamburg Township, LIVINGSTON COUNTY,
MICHIGAN.
This record (pending review by Michigan Bird Records Committee), would
represent not only the first record for Michigan, but also one of the few
records east of the Mississippi River. (The range map in "Sibley Guide to
Birds" [2000] shows the species has been seen along the US--Mexico border,
but shows no records away from the border).
The homeowners are welcoming birders who wish to see the bird.
In regards to hours of visitation, etc Mellissa Pappas has said:
"[Daylight is] about 6:45 a.m. So, I guess that's about the time that folks
could start
showing up. Please realize that our drive and the roads getting to our drive
are gravel and there are a whole lot of neighbors who will be trying to get
to work about that hour, so please make sure not to block any drives and to
leave plenty of room for cars to get through on the street.
Once you get to the house, it would be best to stay on the grass on the side
of the water feature away from the house. This bird is quite spooky as
compared to the ruby-throateds who couldn't care less if there are people
around. There are several lawn chairs in the yard in the area we suggest and
there is an arbor which can be used as "cover." We should be around (I'll
wear one of my hummingbird T-shirts so y'all can recognize me) if you have
any questions.
So, ya'll come! We are thrilled to share the bird, just please make sure
that we don't upset the neighbors so that everyone who wants to see the bird
gets the chance."
Directions as follows, courtesy of Jim Pappas:
"From US 23 - Take the Silver Lake Road exit #55 and go west to Whitmore
Lake
Rd (old US 23). Go south to Winan's Lake Road and turn west. At the dead end
of Winan's Lake Road turn right on Hamburg Road and make another immediate
right on Van Antwerp Road
(before the bridge over the Huron River). Take Van Antwerp Road to the end
and jog
left then right to River Valley Court. Continue to River Valley Court and
turn right. We are the last house at the end of the drive on the right.
Address: 8883 River Valley Court. 810-623-2681.
Photo and videos have been posted by John Lowry at www.kingbird.org."
Good luck everyone!
Jon Wuepper