Your winter predictions in your area?

I'm another one who isn't going to try to second guess mother nature. If last winter was anything to go by I don't think anyone can make predictions anymore.

Last year where I live (southwest B.C., Canada) our weather went directly from summer into spring weather that lasted for 8 or 9 months, completely bypassing winter. That is 3 winters in a row now that we haven't had a normal winter.

We've noticed the skunk smell and road kill in our neck of the U.P as well. Last year we didn't have the eau de skunk problem. This will only be our second winter here so I can't predict in the natural. I do feel prompted to be prepared for ... more than what we experienced last year. Love the U.P. though!

Funny...most of the posters in this thread seem to be in locations where it usually gets cold enough to call it winter. Being from "down here", my definition of winter is real simple..."not hot".

Having said that, even down here I'm beginning to sense the change, though.

I noticed the many barn swallows that habitat our buildings in the summer were flocking already about 10 days ago and are now gone. Seems to be about 2-3 weeks early so like this year has been, maybe early winter? Always fun to try and guess!

Our hummers have packed up and gone South, about three weeks early. We get the occasional traveler at the feeder, but it's strange to have them gone this early.

We live in the fly way route, [NW Wa.], and have heard the honkers working south.