”Ice-out*” What the heck is an “Ice-out?” A muskrat likes to swim in the open water after the long winter (just after the lake ice-out). Yup, we’re finally successful in shooting the pic of a muskrat swimming towards us on the lake (which, we think, is quite hard). This time, the tree branches in front of us become a good blind for us. Usually, once a muskrat notices us, it will dive into the water for a long time (like 10 minutes). Muskrats have big lungs, like beavers, so they can stay under the water for a long time. This pic was shot on 060408 at Lake Phalen, Maplewood, MN. For Tanners Lake, Oakdale, MN, we believe ice-out happened either late April 6^th or early April 7^th, 2006. “Ice-out” means the beginning of spring for Minnesotans.

* What is “Ice-out?” Minnesota’s Lake Ice-out Status < http://climate.umn.edu/doc/ice_out/ice_out_status_05.htm >

Lake ice-outs**
080421 Tanners Lake (most likely Lake Phalen as well)
070327-070328 Tanners Lake
060406-070407 Lake Phalen, Tanners Lake

** Please inform us of the dates when the lake ice-outs occurred if you know the exact dates.

posted: 060428, modified: 070330
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