I took this cold morning to journey around & between these two forest patches in E and SE suburbs of Columbus.  The cold wind wasn't much of a factor in the forests, but the edges were frigid. Ground-feeders were very scarce except around the feeders at Blacklick. The only open ponds were at Blacklick Nature Center (some Mallards) and Blacklick Ridge Park north of Broad Street (bigger numbers & selection).  Notables included:

Black Ducks - 2-3 were in a throng of 150 Mallards at Blacklick Ridge pond
Green-winged Teal - a beautiful male was also in that throng
Hooded Merganser - a young male was in the Blacklick Ridge pond throng
Barred Owl - at least 1 was being seen around the Maple Loop at Blacklick Woods
Pileated Woodpecker - 1 was lurking in Blacklick Woods
N.Flickers - good numbers this morning, with 6 at both Gahanna Woods and Blacklick Woods.  Cold must be moving them south.
Brown Creepers - singles were at each of the woods
E.Bluebirds - a flock of 6 was around the south picnic area at Blacklick Woods
E.Towhees - 4 were in different tangles around the trails at Blacklick Woods
Tree Sparrows - 6+ were hanging around the feeders at Blacklick Nature Center
White-throated Sparrows - 14-15 around the Blacklick Nature Center and its feeders
Purple Finch - has been seen at the Blacklick Nature Center feeders recently, but I didn't see it today

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