Last year at this time of year, my pond was filled with ducks and geese. But the two pair of geese and my lone duck have vanished for days since the pond has frozen over solid again so no open water. And the snow today created a white layer on the surface. Maybe tomorrow, if the sun comes out, it will melt a hole back in the ice again.
Waiting to Thaw
Morning revealed an icy coating on most of the surfaces outside, as even the individual pine needles were coated in ice.
Icy Needles
I think this squirrel heard the forecast and is shocked about the sleet and snow coming when it is supposed to be spring.
What Squirrel
Yesterday a pair of sandhill cranes were walking across a field, but later this week the field may be covered with snow again. Although with their long legs, the cranes would have an easier time walking through the snow than I would.
Springtime Sandhill Cranes
It probably is a good thing that there is no hint of spring wildflowers yet, not when the temperature dropped down to 10 degrees overnight and minus zero wind chills. Plus the forecast mentions the s word for several days so more likely to see snowflakes than white blossom petals.
No Wildflowers Yet
The two pair of geese might decide that they came back too early as the pond barely had some open water when it cold enough overnight to create a new ice layer. By afternoon, the geese broke through the thinner ice and one had to belly flop to get back up on the ice. Tonight will be colder yet so the might not thaw enough for their afternoon swim.
Returning Geese Pair
The wind was blowing the new snow today and it has snowed on the poor robin’s tails more than three times so it is time for spring but the forecast doesn’t have any warm temperatures in the coming week.
Spring Won’t Come
I had a pair of geese standing on my snow pile today and not sure why they didn’t like the bare ground instead, but eventually they made their way down to my pond. The pond is still mostly covered by ice although the big patch drifted to one end so there was an open spot. And in that open slice of water, I spotted the first returning duck of the season. The male Hooded Merganser has black head with a large white patch that varies in size when his crest is raised or lowered,
First Duck of Spring
Today’s snow and rain may have made its way inside the one end of this red barn and it may be longing for spring to return with warmer temperatures.
Patch Job Needed
The rain today is helping to melt the snow and filling the streams and rivers, which would add more flow to this old 1870 mill.
Hyde’s Mill
