Late afternoon in early February. The days are becoming longer, but it's still bitter cold as soon as the sun sets. Long shadows, yellow tint in the air from both natural sunset refraction and atmospheric haze in the western valley between the Wasatch and Promontory Ranges. Just waiting...waiting for colors, quiet, and alpine glow. My ears are getting bitter cold and my gloves don't seem to protect my fingers. It's worth it though as the subtle changes progress. It's so quiet and cold. None of the birds have returned to the bird refuge, but it won't be long.