St. Croix River in Hudson, WI, area is partly open. These animals are not true hibernators, although they den up, remain inactive, and live off their fat for several weeks each winter. Wild turkeys in southeast Minnesota heard gobbling. American goldfinches showing a few more golden-yellow feathers as nesting season approaches. Dog sledding comes to a halt in Park Rapids area because snow is nearly gone.
Water stands on top of pond ice.
First wintering over mourning dove heard cooing. First flock of Canada geese observed flying north. Red-tailed hawk on nest in Brooklyn Park. Fields bare of snow, frost about out of ground in Waseca area. Pussy willow catkins noticed.