Many lakes and wetlands have already thawed out and migratory birds have returned. By mid-February, sandhill cranes, blackbirds, killdeer and many species of waterfowl had returned. Canada geese are setting up nesting site territories. The unusually warm weather has also helped local winter residents as well, such as chickadees, juncos, pheasants and turkeys. Fishing on area lakes is slow.
Ice conditions are very poor.
A pair of mute swans is back on the lake. Pike Lake is entirely open and free of ice. There are still campsites open for reservation on all weekends this summer. Ducks and geese are returning to Theresa Marsh. Bird watchers should have good viewing along Highway 28.