'Icy' was more like it, since only small stretches of the river were ice-free.  I visited sites along Darby Creek yesterday and today, ranging from Darbydale up to Prairie Oaks.  Most of the ponds and quarries are frozen, and the few waterfowl were in the open areas of the creek.  Nothing very unusual; most of the big goose & duck flocks appear to have moved closer to the suburban fringe of Columbus & Hilliard.  Notables included:

Raptors - I had several Kestrels and a Harrier, but a Rough-legged Hawk was seen recently by Tim Taylor, the naturalist at Battelle-Darby MetroPark.  He also mentioned a possible sighting of a Short-eared Owl along Darby Creek Drive between US 40 and Alkire Rd, so anyone along this stretch early or late might want to keep an eye out for it.

Woodpeckers - Downies and Red-bellies were surprisingly common, given the cold weather.  Sapsuckers were at several locations (Indian Ridge, Cedar Ridge), and a Pileated was drumming near Cedar Ridge.

Field Birds - Horned Larks were common along Darby Creek Drive, and Tim also mentioned Snow Buntings being there (although I didn't find any). Small Tree Sparrow flocks had accumulated around the feeders at both Indian Ridge and Cedar Ridge (both parking areas of Battelle-Darby).

Winter Finches - no WWCrossbills, but I had Purple Finches at both Indian Ridge and Cedar Ridge, and Tim mentioned seeing them several other places.  Goldfinches were also widespread, but I couldn't locate any Pine siskins.

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