GEESE AND DUCKS ARE RETURNING TO OPEN WATER ON THE STREAMS

SIOUX RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM THE HWY. 13 BRIDGE...

BUDDY ON POINT, EVEN IN THE TRUCK  (WHAT A DOG!)...

A PAIR OF MALLARDS ON THE RIVER...

...RETURNING CANADA GEESE

Thursday, 8:00 AM.  Wind NNE, moderate, with stronger gusts, at ground level; WSW at higher elevation, bringing dark snow clouds, which cover the sky except for the very feeble efforts of the morning sun. The humidity is 74%, and the barometer is down slightly at 30.21".  All the forecasts now predict 8" to 12" of heavy snow will hit the region this evening, after which a week of weather in the 40's is forecast.  Hope we don't float away.
   We ran errands in Ashland most of yesterday and can report that, despite the lingering winter, migratory birds are returning to whatever open water there now is at the mouth of Fish Creek and along the Sioux River.  Canada geese and mallard ducks were flying about and obviously pairing up in both locations, and the welcome sound of goose music could be heard when stopped with the truck window rolled down.
   Buddy, the noble dog, displays the keen alertness of the pointing breed, even while within the confines of the truck  (actually, he is staring at the bank drive-up window, anticipating the doggy bone treat he customarily receives from the teller).