The temperature that day was 37, just below freezing. But two days later we here in Ann Arbor experienced a birthday miracle when the temperature jumped up to 67 degrees. I dug a pair of shorts out of storage and put away my heavy coat for a day. But while it was a great birthday surprise for me, it was a decidedly sad day for the fish. The pond started melting and the poor little guys started appearing all over the pond, sticking halfway out of the ice like the bodies in Pompeii. Here are the sad results (narrowed down from several dozen pictures - what can I say, I'm morbid like that):
And finally, my favorite picture:
How did this happen? Can't fish survive underneath the ice during the winter? Or is the pond so shallow that the whole thing froze over and they have been frozen for months? Did the fish die because of the cold and then freeze or did the fish die from freezing? (In the upper right-hand corner of the second fish picture it looks like the fish tried to break through the ice with its head - maybe that is a clue.)If you have a theory about the frozen fish mystery, please post a comment. Your efforts could save the next generation of fish from a frozen death.
7 comments:
I still don't understand why you didn't pluck one out and cook it for dinner. What a waste.
I really admire the ichthyic activism of this post. It's so easy to feel helpless about all that goes on in the world beyond our control, but fish are dying in our own backyard. If we all work together, maybe we can make a difference.
Nice word amy ichthyic. I do agree that we should seek for solutions. Perhaps using geothermal sources to heat inland water sources year around so the fish can live and be free. I pray for the day that a fish is president.
I loved the photos, even if they are a little morbid. That last one was awesome. At least their deaths got some recognition, even if it was just for an amazing photo opportunity. )
I still think the last one would make a nice painting. Or maybe stained glass window. There's great texture, and is just abstracted enough to lend an element of mystery...and grossness.
Oh my gosh. I am shocked and appalled, intrigued, and a little sad- but why does this blog make me laugh really hard?? Am I evil?
only icthyevil...
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