A quick visit to these 2 MetroParks SE of Columbus found drying wetlands and buggy forest patches.  The result, not surprisingly, was patchy wetland birds and lots of forest insectivores. I also stopped at Bareis Nature Preserve and along Berger Road.  Highlights included:

Wood Ducks - dropping water levels concentrate them, as 45 birds crammed into the Bareis Nature Preserve Pond demonstrates.

Green Herons - singles were at the Slate Run Wetlands and Berger Road wetland

Kestrel - an adult was along Berger Rd, where they have often summered.

Forest Flycatchers - lots of Pewees & Acadians, yet again.  I had over 20 Acadians calling in the ravines along the 5-Oaks trail loop at Slate Run.

Field Flycatchers - Willow Flycatchers were widespread, with birds at Bareis (3+), Slate Run wetlands (2), and Walnut Woods bikepath loop (6+).  E.Kingbirds were also conspicuous, with birds at Bareis, Slate Run wetlands, and Berger Rd

Vireos - good numbers of Red-eyed in all the forest patches.  The only White-eyed was along the Maple Loop trail at Slate Run, while 2 Yellow-throated were along the 5-Oaks loop there.

Thrushes - higher-than-average #s of Wood Thrushes at Slate Run, where 12 pairs along the 5-Oaks loop was exceptional.  Many of them already were defending fledglings.

Warblers - understory warblers continue to thrive at Slate Run, where 3 Kentucky, 3 Ovenbirds, and 2 Hooded enlivened the hike through the ravines along the 5-Oaks Loop.  The small meadows along the Walnut Woods bikepath held their usual mix of CommonYellowthroats (9+) and Chats (3).

Grassland Sparrows - scarce, with no Grasshopper or Savannah at Bareis or Slate run Wetlands, and only 1 Savannah heard along Richardson Rd at Walnut Woods.  Perhaps these areas have grown up too much for them.

Grosbeaks - no Rose-br. or Blue, which is unusual in this area.

Baltimore Orioles - adults were trailing fledglings at both Bareis and Slate Run wetlands

Orchard Orioles - another good day, with singing birds at Bareis, Slate Run Wetlands, Berger Rd, and Walnut Woods bikepath.

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