Morning all,

I tend to be more of a “lurker” when it comes to this list, but after reading about “Sandhill Cranes” at Pickerington Ponds I thought I’d sneak out and test my new Christmas present of a Tamron 150/600mm lens knowing that there is nothing easy about close in photography at Pickerington Ponds.  

I nearly had in a accident as I was coming up to the junction of Bowen & Wright Roads as 7 Sandhill’s flew from S to N about 150 ft off the deck as they were headed over towards the duck blind.  By the time I got over and parked and set up my camera equipment; I could not find them.  I did come across a number of different aquatics including the White Fronted Geese (at least 4 or more), Shovelers (2 females), Graylag Goose (1) acting like the boss, an adult Harrier(1) soaring over the marshes just east of the blind.  First trip to the parking lot off Wright Road, I noticed as I was getting out of car looking to my east, 2 very large aquatics landing with what looked like a Black semi circle (like an upside down horse shoe) on their front.  After checking my “Sibley’s” the only large aquatic I could find that looked very similar where the wings are down cupped for landing might be Ross’s Goose(s).  I did not have my camera out of the car yet so I have no picture, just my frail memory of these large white bodies descending into Ellis Pond to the east of the parking lot to which I lost them both and could not find a local after driving around the Park to see if I could get a shot of what I saw.  I also chanced upon a pair of American Kestrels and what appeared to be interest what looked to be a Song Sparrow.  I was surprised they seemed to be chasing it at one point.  I guess when you hungry anything goes.

As to the “Sandhills” I saw them 3 times in 2 different locals.  There were 2 other groups (4) & (2) all on the Arrowhead Marsh that were in the “gully” near the tree line that dissects the dry marsh down the middle.  The best view was from the observation deck and at first I thought I was seeing Blue Herons until I saw one turn sideways to me to see the beak was much different.  The color in the overcast of the day was a “grayish tan on top and lighter underneath.   I ran to car for the camera & tripod (after ignoring a little voice that said take it) but they had moved further west in the gully and could on occasionally see a head pop up and not enough time to get a photograph.  

I also have an image of a duck that does not show up in Sibley’s and need some help to figure out what it is.  At first I though a mix of Mallards but it seems slightly bigger and its markings up the back of its head is unique to anything I have seen before.   My Flickr page is https://www.flickr.com/photos/118775923@N05/with/15984795301/    

The images should be processed and posted by 7pm this evening and appreciate anyone who can help id this one duck for me.  I plan on posting some images I took yesterday and while the are ok most of the distances were in excess of 100 yards plus pretty strong winds push the cannon around not to mention that very overcast skies making for terrible light & contrast.   


Tomorrow it is supposed to be clear here in Columbus and will try once again. 

Doug Askew
Gahanna, OH.
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