I made several stops around Pickerington Ponds this afternoon, when the rain was more intermittent. Many of the winter birds have started to settle in, and feeders are stocked at Burning Lake, Ellis Pond, Wood Duck Picnic area, and Glacier Knoll. Notables included:

Sandhill cranes - a flock of 6 flew in to Mallard marsh at the Wood Duck Picnic Area, and up to 9 have been reported recently

Dabblers - had plenty of Mallards, Gadwall, Shovelers, plus a few Green-winged Teal

Divers - none, though the ponds are really shallow right now, despite today's rain

Shorebirds - a flock of 7 Dunlin were at Mallard Marsh, along with 2 Greater yellowlegs

Raptors - Red-tails were at multiple spots, sitting out the showers, but a N.Harrier was flying around Mallard Marsh

Flickers - good numbers in multiple locations

Robins - sizeable flocks at many locations, mostly feeding on honeysuckle berries

White-cr.Sparrows - small numbers were around the feeders at Ellis Pond & Glacier Knoll

Swamp Sparrows - calling birds were at Ellis Pond and Wood Duck Picnic area

Blackbirds - small groups of Redwinged Blackbirds were at multiple spots, but also had a flock of 10 Rusty Blackbirds fly over Wood Duck Picnic area.

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