For Indiana birders, the winter of 2017/18 will likely be remembered for its record breaking irruption of Snowy Owls. Nearly 200 of these beautiful birds were recorded across the state over the course of the winter; Christmas Count participants enjoyed the effects, recording a record 13 Snowies. Among the season’s best finds was Indiana’s first Harlequin Duck in seven years, the first Eared Grebe in 16 seasons, the state’s first CBC record of a Laughing X Ring-billed Gull hybrid, two Prairie Falcons, and the first Yellow-headed Blackbird in 39 years. Other great discoveries included three Great Egrets, pairs of Virginia Rails and Greater Yellowlegs, and “count week” Red Crossbills. Species with record high counts included Greater White-fronted Goose, Gadwall, Redhead, Hooded Merganser, Black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barn Owl, Snowy Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Winter Wren, and Fox Sparrow. Birds with unusually low totals included Ruddy Duck...