I checked the Cheshire causeway area of Alum Creek Lake to test the completeness of the ice cover.  Most of the reservoir is still frozen over, but the deep channel right at the bridge is open.  In perhaps 2 acres of water were jammed a good representation of early migrant waterfowl, including

260 Canada Geese
15 Canvasbacks
80 Redhead
10 Lesser Scaup
20 Common Goldeneye
12 Common Mergansers
4 Red-br.Mergansers

Also standing around the edge of the ice were 5-6 Ring-billed Gulls, and, a bit further away, 2 immature Bald Eagles. Unfortunately, the hole is not easy to pull over for, so you need to park near the Cheshire Rd,Africa Rd intersection and hike back the 3 blocks on the shoulder to get a good view.  Might be worth a visit over the next few days.

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