Astonishing weather and can't help but wonder if this trend will continue. Ice on the lake suddenly gone and more birds arriving every day. Walked the Bear River today with the Petoskey Regional Audubon Society. Sally S. saw or heard 27 species.  I was able to positively ID 13 species. So do I count 27 or 13.  I think 13.   White water galore and saw one brave soul kayaking.  Starting April 1 new fishing regulations allow fishing year round on the Bear River from Lake Michigan all the way up to Walloon Lake. Another river to explore with the fly rod.