Even the animals were subdued. I encountered the "usual suspects" Black-capped Chickadees, some crows, and Downy Woodpecker as I carefully circumnavigated the lower impoundment.
I had been bouyed by the weather forecast that predicted a high of 40F, but warm temperatures were slow in arriving. There was a cool breeze blowing from the west, which made me wish I had dressed more warmly.
It's interesting the changes that can happen in a week and a half. Last visit, the impoundments were full of deep snow. Now they are ice covered. Like some sort of CSI episode all the footprints and activity of the coyotes, and the duck box repair are now preserved in ice.
The paths, previously non-existant are now hard packed, covered with a light icy glaze. I was appreciative that I had my Yak Tracks on. The river is still ice packed and intact. It won't be too long before the ice breaks as the snow melts and the river rises.
