i see

black dog lake, close to the minneapolis airport is one of the best winter birding areas in MN due to the power plant which keeps the lake from totally freezing over. we were there on one of the coldest days of this winter (at least so far)-jan 1- looking for, well, birds. didn't find much except for some mergansers and trumpeter swans. however, on the edge of the lake, water had been transmuted into multitudinous polycrystalline forms including this beautiful ice floret hanging from a reed, which we savoured and managed to capture.



and this wonderful ice-sculpture/still life bathed in the lambent glow of the setting sun.



needless to say, we were glad to get into the car and warm our fingers, especially after sunset.