This has been an unusual winter in the Twin Cities area. We're virtually snowless. While winter-embracers are grumbling, those of us who have never really accepted the idea that everything should be covered in a blanket of white from November to April are calling this brown winter a dream come true.

I visited several wetland areas over the weekend and found some odd (for Minnesota) but beautiful February views. These photos were shot at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield and Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul.

With a winter like this, golf can't be far off, right?