I scouted some areas at the margins of the O'Shaughnessy CBC circle today, finding some good birds in the process.  I birded along the Scioto River from 161 north to the O'Shaughnessy dam, and also looked around Glacier Ridge MetroPark and Trabue nature preserve.  Despite the cold, birds were plentiful, especially along the river, which was mostly ice-free.  Highlights included

Bald eagle - 1 immature was seen below the dam, and probably the same bird was further down-river

Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 was calling in the south woodlot off the northern multi-use trail loop in Glacier Ridge.  This is the same area where they've bred in the past 3 years.

Harrier(s) - I didn't see them, but both the ranger and another birder mentioned seeing 1-2 birds over the 'windmill field' in Glacier Ridge.  I told them to keep an eye out for Short-eared Owl as well.

Canada Geese - large flocks all along the river, especially around the dam.  It's difficult to get good looks at all the birds here, so the possiblity of Cackling is present.

other waterfowl - Mallards were abundant, but mixed in with them were Black Ducks, 1 Lesser Scaup (above the dam), and 1 Common Goldeneye (near 161).

Great Blue Herons - good numbers were roosting at both Kiwanis park (10) and below the dam (16).

Pileated Woodpeckers - 1 was in Frink Park below the dam, while another was out at Glacier Ridge

Robins, Waxwings - lots of flocks of the former all along the river, where there is still a fairly large berry crop.  I heard the latter at the dam.  Numbers out at Glacier Ridge and Trabue were much less.

Hermit Thrush - 1 bird was lurking in the berrybushes at Kiwanis Park

E.Towhee - 1 was along the Multi-use Loop in Glacier Ridge, among lots of Tree Sparrows.

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