Set out this morning trying to find an early arriving Red-winged Blackbird.  It was 9 degrees, windy with a foot of snow on the ground . . . not exactly a desirable destination for a migrating bird.

I stepped out of the car, photographed a group of first of the year Cedar Waxwings, and immediately started hearing the “conk-a-reeeeee” sound all around the meadow.  I hiked through the snow trying to get my binoculars on one . . . but no luck.  

Freezing to death, I headed back to the car when a beautiful RWB flew by and landed in some brush.  He flew on before I got the camera focused . . . but the Red-winged Blackbirds are back!!!!

Later in the day I saw a Red-necked Grebe.