I spent the windy, flurry-filled morning nosing around the lower reaches of Hoover Reservoir, from the dam north to Mudhen Marsh.  The reservoir had whitecaps, so few birds were out there other than gulls.  Most waterfowl were hiding in coves or inlets along the shore, as were many landbirds.  For such a frozen morning, the list was rather healthy.  Highlights included:

Dabbling Ducks - Mallards everywhere, but also had 3 American Wigeon at Mudhen Marsh
Diving Ducks - one small flock of 10 Lesser Scaup off the Walnut St. boat launch
Mergansers - small groups of Hoodeds at several stops; largest group was 50 at Mudhen Marsh
Swans - 3 Mute swans continue to hang out in the golf course pond adjacent to Mudhen marsh
Raptors - an adult Bald Eagle was soaring over the dam, but only had 2 Red-tails along other parts of the shore.
Gulls - mostly Ring-bills at every stop, but a few Bonapartes still around, mostly near the dam.
Woodpeckers - small #s of Downies & Red-bellies at many stops, along with the occasional Hairy and Flicker.  No Red-headeds were seen at Mudhen marsh, but it was very cold and windy at that point and they may have been hiding out of the wind.
Corvids - surpsisingly common, with 3-6 bue jays at most stops.  Is there some late movement a-wing?
Wrens - Carolinas common at all stops, also a Winter Wren was along the old channel below the dam
Robins, Starlings - present, but in nowhere near the numbers seen along the Scioto River 2 days earlier (flocks of thousands)
Sparrows - small groups of White-throats at most stops, along with a few Songs, plus 5 Tree Sparrows at Mudhen marsh.


Rob Thorn
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EarthLink Revolves Around You.

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