It's been raining pretty hard most of the morning. Once or twice it looked as if the sun was going to poke through, but within minutes it's pouring again. I measured 1.08 in. of precipitation this morning at 9 a.m. I'm sure the gauge is filling up again, though. Everything is soggy and the air smells like it does in the spring. The thermometer is registering 48 degrees and there's fog and a little breeze. I think the forecast was for high winds - perhaps that's coming later, when the temperature begins to drop. For now, the "cat ice" I reported yesterday is gone and the lake is open to guests of flying variety.

Bill Rossi sent these photos this morning. Diane wrote that they had company during breakfast. Perhaps the geese prefer flying in dry weather so decided to just sit out the rain. I think they have usually gone by this time, but if there's open water along their route they'll take advantage of it. I Googled for migrating geese and came up with the following about Canada geese:

The geese are definitely built for this long distance travel. They can reach up to 60 mph during their flights, and can reach an altitude of 8,000 feet. They can fly at night, and can fly for up to 16 hours in a stretch.

I came across an article that said in the past 2-3 years, migrating patterns have changed for the Pacific Brant, and some other birds. They are now wintering in Izembek Lagoon, a 25-mile long stretch of protected water on the Alaska Peninsula instead of flying further south to Mexico. The storm patterns have changed as well as temperatures, making it easier for them to stay rather than making the long journey further south. The food source is good now, but scientists fear that global warming will mean a rise in water lever, destroying their habitat by erosion.

We may notice a difference in migration patterns of the ducks and geese that frequent Joe's Pond, as well. We hope these guys have a safe flight to wherever they are going. Click on the photos to enlarge them.