A common loon checks around between dives Friday at Six Mile Lake in Dickinson County. This bird had a partner that was more camera-shy. The last of the ice at Six Mile Lake only disappeared Friday; a week ago, most of the lake was still covered. For more on the birds making their way back to the region, along with other signs spring may finally be establishing itself, see this week’s Northwoods Notebook. (Betsy Bloom/Daily News photo)