IMG_0895Rain overnight and a rise in temperature has created an Arctic atmosphere, of fog, ice floes, and waterways. The geese have returned to rest and preen on the ice with open water close afoot. A naturally secreted chemical near their rump is stimulated by their beaks, then drawn over their feathers as a repellant for the cold. Down helps too. It will be frigid again tonight. Fortunately, the pond has not yet frozen into an impenetrable block of ice. It may yet, but I hope not. It makes it so much more difficult for them to survive. Besides, the ice fishermen it attracts are a motley crew.