We've heard from numerous long time Nebraska residents that this has been a nasty winter compared to most years. We know it's been plenty cold many days, but here in southwestern Nebraska, we feel like we're living in the banana belt of the state. Our temperatures are almost alway warmer than at least three quarters of the state, and the town signs at McCook seem to have it right this time of year..."Nebraska's Hot Spot".

Even though we are still in the grips of winter, we've noticed some interesting black clouds that I imagine everybody notices at least once in a while, but for us it gets our attention every time. These clouds move can move quickly, change shape just as quickly, and unlike most clouds we're familiar with, they honk, quack, and otherwise make some pretty interesting noises.

We've seen more flocks of birds here than anyplace we've been, and the number of birds it takes to make up one of these black clouds is impressive. The sounds of these birds flying by is impressive too. I admit that sound seems to carry better out here in the country, but listening to these huge flocks of birds flying more than a mile away just helps us remember that spring isn't far behind.