The winter of 2017/2018 was an uneventful one throughout the Midwest. The weather was very warm, especially in the Dakotas, in the weeks running up to the count period; precipitation was minimal as well. In fact, the western portions of all the Great Plains states are in the throes of a long-running drought. The lack of snow and rain during the fall generally allowed birders unrestricted access throughout count circles, and the opportunity to record some lingering species. The temperate conditions changed dramatically at the end of December when the meteorological freezer door opened in the northern reaches of the region. Ron Martin relates that the Denbigh, ND, count which was conducted on December 30, recorded a HIGH temperature of -22F and a low of -38F. By comparison, the southern portions of the Great Plains were relatively mild throughout December and January. This was also an uneventful winter for irruptive species in all areas of the Midwest. The one...