The Columbus Audubon trip to search for waterfowl & early landbird migrants in the Darby plains found a surprisingly cold morning, even being snowed on at one point. But most water was open and we had a good morning for waterfowl. Stops at Darby Bend lakes, Patterson Road, Alton Place Lakes, Clover Cemetery wetlands, and the Battelle Darby wetlands found waterfowl scattered wherever there was open water, though nowhere abundant. The highlights included:
Trumpeter Swans - 4 were at the White Barn wetlands in Battelle Darby N.Pintails - had them both at Patterson Road and at the Teal Trail in Battelle Darby N.Shovelers - 9 were in the wetland pond at the Teal Trail AmericanWigeons - 4 were fly-bys at the Teal Trail Green-winged Teals - 2 males were in the wetland pond along the Teal Trail Redheads - 1 was at Darby bend Lakes, but 45+ were at the Alton Place lakes Lesser Scaup - a few were at almost every stop Ring-necked Ducks - a flock of 80+ birds were in the pond off the Alder Trail at Darby Bend lakes Hooded Mergansers - a few were around Darby Bend Lakes Ruddy Duck - 1 lone bird was at the retention lake at Clover Cemetery wetlands Horned Grebe - also a single bird at the Clover Cemetery wetland retention lake Coots - 2 were swimming around near the footbridge at Darby Bend Lakes N.Harrier - a male was at Darby Bend lakes early, while a female was along the Teal Trail BaldEagles - an adult was a fly-by at Darby Bend Lakes, while a juvenile was along Patterson Rd Turkey Vultures - 1-2 were at most stops, as they seem to be on the move.
Landbirds were pretty slim, though we did find most of the common winter birds. Bonuses included a Brown Creeper at Darby Bend lakes and a Rusty Blackbird at White Barn wetlands at Battelle Darby. Redwings were at every stop, while a few grackles were at Darby Bend lakes.
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