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Monday, January 19, 2009

Snow Birds

This winter settled in and pelted much of the US over the past month with cold temps, snow and ice, even in areas where it isn't generally expected. But we've had no snow to speak of in the Tennessee Valley for the past several years, so even though mentioned in the forecast, we weren't especially expecting it today either.
I drove to a meeting mid-day and spent a pleasant couple of hours watching snow fall through large paned windows as we held our discussion beside a warm fire. On the drive home, at 36 degrees F, the clouds of falling snow quickly turned to water and it seemed the show was over. But when I turned off to climb the hill where I live, the trees magically transformed into a fairyland of wintery boughs of fluff.
The light was gray and snow still falling when I snapped these photos. And despite being a non-native species, this holly, pictured earlier today, has been a wonderful perch and shelter for many species. I even watched a yellow-bellied sapsucker climb its meager trunk a day ago and snatch one of its berries.
Sigh.... Maybe one day they'll make glass that won't confuse my automatic focus.

Birds pictured from top to bottom: Slate-colored junco (often called "snow birds"), white-throated sparrow, Carolina wren, Carolina chickadee, yellow-bellied sapsucker.

8 comments:

  1. Vickie the photos are wonderful! And look at your snow!!! The snow is above my knees now in my back yard. :) I can see you painting some of these birds.

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  2. The magic of the snowcovered forest trees still envelops me. What a fairytale place to be in!
    Yes, Holly is an invasive pest here too but so lush and green in summer or winter. Great little birds too.

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  3. Lovely winter photographs. It appears you might be in for even more snow tonight.

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  4. Thanks, Toni. I don't think this would qualify for "snow" in your area, but its beautiful when its fluffy like this and the birds are all fluffed up too.

    Hi Arija. The snow is magical when its fluffy like this and the woods enchanting. That was my first decent junco photo.

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  5. Welcome, Carolyn! Thank you. I think we do have snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

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  6. Oh, I wish I could be there. Your images transpose me from another world to the delights of a fresh snowfall. I love your fluffed up birds. The holly berries actually are a nice touch. Enjoy your winter wonderland.

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  7. That chickadee looks pretty cute next to that snow and the holly berries. Its nature's natural beauty accents.

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  8. Very beautiful birds. Nice bird photos and painting. :)))

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