I visited several sites along the Scioto River between the O'Shaughnessy dam south to the Hayden Run bridge.  Most of the river along this stretch is fast-flowing and was open today; above the dam is totally frozen.  Only when the river starts to slow (below Cranston Dr.), does it freeze over.  Most of the surrounding parks & yards still have lots of berries, so there were large flocks of Robins and Starlings in most places.  Other highlights included:

Great Blue Herons - every stop had some, for a total of 52 in 2 hours.  Largest concentration was a group of 30 along the river at the Stratford Rd pullout on US 33 (just above the county line).

Dabbling Ducks - loads of Mallards, but also had a few Black Ducks at most stops.  No other dabblers were found.

Diving Ducks - most of the river is shallow here, so Hooded Mergansers were the only widespread 'diver'.  A lone Common Goldeneye was just south of Kiwanis Park.

Raptors - Red-tails and Cooper's Hawks at several stops, but no Bald Eagle (although a fisherman had seen an adult earlier in the morning).

Woodpeckers - lots of Red-bellieds and Downies, along with 3 Hairies, but other woodpeckers were AWOL.

Cedar Waxwings - only a few, at Donegal Cliffs and Scioto Park

Sparrows - rather scarce, with small #s of White-throated and Song at most stops, along with a handful of Juncos.  No Trees or Swamp were found.

Blackbirds - only a few Grackles, mostly around Donegal Cliffs Park.

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