Monday, March 16, 2009, Lake Vermilion, Minnesota. St. Urho's Day. High, 57 degrees. High 40's Saturday and Sunday. Lake ice went from snow-covered to water-covered since morning. "Water, water, everywhere . . . (not a drop to drink . . . .)"

A boat (yes, a boat! see picture) went screaming across the lake in the afternoon. Just before dusk four deer ran across the slushy bay, as if walking on water. The ravens wouldn't come down for bread and meat scraps I threw them on Sunday - just kept checking from the treetops. Heard them do that clicking sound. Anyone know what that means in raven/crow communication?