I took a break from CBC scouting to hike around several trails at Battelle-Darby MetroPark this morning, taking advantage of the fine weather.  The creek itself was very high from meltwater and held no waterbirds.  Flock birds were surprisingly scarce, perhaps spread out by the mild weather, but a few goodies included a Brown Thrasher, 3 Towhees, and a singing Purple Finch along the Terrace Trail.  I also had a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk successfully catch a gray squirrel in the Cedar Ridge picnic area. I've seen many more Red-tails haunting woods and feeders now, so perhaps they're starting to focus on our overabundant 'tree-rats'.  Other trails weren't nearly as productive for unusual birds, but it was still a great morning for hiking.  Enjoy it while it's here, as the upcoming week will apparently bring back winter in force.

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