I have an '09 savage with just over 9,000 miles on it, no modifications. Recently I noticed a little oil on the fins near the top of the engine on the left side of the bike. This prompted me to check the oil level (just did an oil change about 400 miles ago) and it was lower than I expected but still within the range in the window. Over the last year and a half I've had the bike I've put just under 5,000 miles on it and hadn't noticed much oil disappearing between checks so I'm a little concerned.

Mechanically speaking I'm at best a beginner, if not a little clueless, but I have a friend that knows what he's doing. I thought I'd check in with you guys to get some ideas and see how concerned I should be before asking him to help me track down the problem. So, any ideas on what could cause a leak in that area?

She's my daily ride for my commute so I'm hoping I don't have to drop a ton of money at a mechanic or have her torn apart for weeks...

Not sure if it is the same, but as you look in front of the plug, that head bolt was seeping on mine and running out that opening (flat area) in front. I tighten it down gingerly, as it was apparent once I put the socket on it, that it still had some seating to do, or loosened up over time. It stopped since I did that.

Here is a link w/ a picture, when I asked the pro's here  

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1444511199

I had that same issue after deleting my chrome covers, and the same fix, but BE CAREFUL and don't overdo it

It's better to have a leak again in a few months than a busted or stripped anything.
If you are truly inexperienced with wrenching, there is nothing wrong with punching holes in a couple pieces of metal and getting some various diameter bolts and mess with them. Twist some off. But pay attention to the Feel of the clamping action as the nut and bolt bring the plates together. If you work smoothly and apply pressure in a thoughtful and measured manner, you can learn what a bolt feels like when it is tight, and hopefully the zero consequences testing and practice will save you some real pain working on stuff that isn't zero  consequence.
A bench and a small vise , I hope you have a place. I have two vises, one just clamps onto the bench and will rotate around. About thirty bucks from Harbor Freight.