Arrived at Cheshire Boat Ramp at Alum Creek at about 2:30 pm.  Found at
least one of the Long-tailed Ducks and saw the immature white phase Snow
Goose between 2:30 to about 3:30 pm.  Large numbers of Canada Geese, Tundra
Swans, which identified themselves with their high pitched calls, thus
their previous name of Whistling Swans, and all the other waterfowl
previously reported there today on Ohio Birds.

There was enough daylight to head to Killdeer Plains WA.  I entered from
Washburn Road and had 4 light-phase and 1 dark-phase Rough-legged Hawks
along CH 68 (one easy of Washburn).  One more light-phase along 108.  Lots
of Tree Sparrows with a few Song Sparrows feeding along the road edges
where grass and bare ground are exposed.  An adult Bald Eagle on the nest
visible with optics from 108.

I drove north of 71 on 108 and continued past 294.  Small scattered groups
of Horned Larks, numbering about 20.  Hoping for but not finding any
Lapland Longspurs.

In my drive around, I found 6 Rough-legged Hawks, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 3
Northern Harriers all male grey ghosts and two American Kestrels.

The highlight of Killdeer Plains occurred just before dusk.  As I returned
on 68 to Washburn Road, I found a shrike sitting on top of one of the cedar
trees on the north side of 68 just after Washburn.  I followed it slowly in
my car as it dropped down several times and flew close to the ground until
it swooped up in a leafless tree out in the open east of Washburn and on
the north side of 68.  I was able to study it in my scope and confirm that
it was a Northern Shrike.  After returning to Washburn to head home, I
found a Short-eared Owl sitting in the open field on the east side of
Washburn and south of the farmer's lane.  Another late highlight!  Other
birds encountered were Northern Flicker (2) and Eastern Meadowlark.  It was
a great afternoon of winter birding!
Jay

Jay G Lehman Cincinnati, OH
Sent from DROID RAZR HD

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