I visited several sites west of Columbus today, starting at Prairie Oaks MetroPark (Darby Bend Lakes, Sycamore Plains Trail), then moving up through the Hilliard ponds along Cosgray Road (nothing but Geese) and the wetlands/ponds along Hyland-Croy Rd (nothing but Geese), and finishing off around the O'Shaughnessy Dam area.  Waterfowl were almost a no-show, other than the geese along Cosgray.  Highlights were

E.Bluebirds - 1-3 as flyovers at nearly every site, taking advantage of the good weather to head out.

CedarWaxwings - flocks heading south at both spots along Darby Creek, totaling perhaps 80 birds.

Sparrows - lots of flocks of White-throated & Tree Sparrows at many sites.  Darby Bend Lakes also had 5 Swamp Sparrows and 2 White-crowns.

Blackbirds - small southbound flocks flying over much of the morning.  Most noticeable early at Prairie Oaks, where the numbers included 140 Redwings, 60+ Grackles, and 10 Rusty Blackbirds

Finches - along with the expected House Finches & Goldfinches, I also found 1 Pine Siskin at Darby Bend Lakes (2 were reported by another birder), and 1 Purple Finch at Sycamore Plains

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