A mild night and as expected, the rising river broke up the ice and floated some of it ashore overnight. I have been waiting for years to see this event but it always seems to happen overnight for some reason. One spectacular thing about today from a photographer’s standpoint is the fog that formed as warm air hit the relatively cold ground and river. This came and went in a low-lying layer and changed quickly so that you could actually wait for the most photogenic formation.

Ice pushed ashore – not very thick compared to some years.

As this is a fairly brief thaw, much of the ice above the weir has remained in place and will create a large dam once the weather turns colder. Spring might bring the promise of a spectacular flood.

Ducks wait onshore for calmer waters.

Birds were very much in evidence today with starlings and robins foraging in the newly visible grass while ducks found open water a bit too rough.

Robins look for food as fog ebbs and flows over the cold water.

A light layer of mist adds an air of mystery to the woods.

Trees reflect in the saturated ground.

Back to winter tomorrow!