Spent the morning at several parks along Walnut Creek (southern Franklin County), then moved down to Slate Run MetroPark (Pickaway County) just when the rain began to fall.  Most ponds and the Slate Run wetlands were frozen over, but the creeks were still open.  Most landbirds were in scattered flocks, and not easy to find.  The most productive areas were around the feeders at Shady Grove picnic area and the wetland parking area of Slate Run.  Notables included:

Canada Geese - despite the frozen water, sizeable flocks were at Cruiser Pond in Groveport and at the Slate Run wetlands
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 was calling near the Shady Grove picnic area in Slate Run (Thanks Randy!); it's been in vicinity for a week according to Park staff.
Red-tailed Hawks - singles in most field areas, though became scarcer as the rain started in earnest.
Kestrels - single birds at Bareis Preserve and Buckeye Loop of Walnut Woods, both in fields along Walnut Creek
Pileated Woodpeckers - 2 were calling in the ravines along 5-Oaks loop trail in Slate Run MetroPark
Brown Creepers - not common, with singles at Canal Winchester's Williams Park and 5-Oaks Trail of Slate Run
Golden-cr.Kinglet - even scarcer, with only a single bird at Canal Winchester's Williams Park
Mockingbird - a single bird was around the parking area at Bareis Preserve
Tree Sparrows - small flocks were at Bareis Preserve, Buckeye Loop of Walnut Woods, and Slate Run wetlands
White-crowned Sparrows - flocks were at Bareis Preserve and at the Slate Run wetlands feeder

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