Ice out (Image Public Domain)
Gone are the sub-zero air temperatures. The remains of the last spring snow storm disappear into small runoffs and ditches along the road. Mountains of snow piles dwindle down to small lumps as the warm winds from the south, carve away at them. Lake ice turns black and rotten. Even the bravest fishermen, stop tempting fate and no longer venture beyond the shoreline.
A murder of crows wing by overhead carrying with them the guarantee that spring has returned. Bunnies are fat and playful. They seem to forget for a moment that they are a prime food source for the predators that lurk nearby. But somehow, there is peace, as the sun brings joy to the landscape.
Soon, the loons will gather looking for food and mates. Their strange laughing calls will echo across the lake. To soon, they will disperse to find nesting sites and good fishing.
As darkness falls a single beaver cruises the shallows between the ice edge and the shore. He looks for a young sapling to use for a tasty meal. He disappears around the point as the coming darkness swallows him.
The weatherman forecasts that tomorrow, a warm rain will fall and continue so for several days. When the rain ceases, the ice will be gone and spring will come to the lake.
Tales From The Hare 
sknicholls
May 14, 2014 at 3:30 pm
I feel as if I just took a nice walk in another world. My FB status today reflects the subtropical humidity. I just want to be able to breath.
Dennis Langley
May 14, 2014 at 3:31 pm
I’m waiting for a few days in the 70’s. The green is beginning to show.
Matthew Wright
May 15, 2014 at 1:18 am
Good to see spring emerging for you guys after that terrible winter. Over here in NZ we’re sliding out of autumn into winter – not so much cold as stormy, if this week is anything to go by.
Have to add – ‘a murder of crows’ has to be one of my favourite terms! I have heard it suggested that we should refer to writers en masse as a ‘kettle of writers’, but it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it…
Dennis Langley
May 19, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Yea. I used to know all the terms for groups of animals. But, Murder of Crows has always been my favorite. As for writers, how about an inkwell?
4amWriter
May 15, 2014 at 8:52 am
Spring sounds lovely where you are, Dennis. I am enjoying the wildlife in NH myself.
Dennis Langley
May 19, 2014 at 12:50 pm
It never ceases to amaze me the variety of creatures that live with us.
ltownsdin
May 20, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Nice piece. This reminds me of my childhood, anticipating and watching every small change until the ice was out.
Dennis Langley
May 20, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Thanks. It is fascinating to watch the changes as they happen.