Arriving Saturday morning (Dec 5th), it stayed for the day, glistening and twinkling by afternoon as it dripped in the airy light. 
There is something comforting and satisfying about feeding birds when the weather is so cold and uninviting. All of us (me included) fluff up to stay warm. And that includes this sweet wintering White-throated Sparrow captured in the dim overcast light.
His November arrival always makes me smile. And this is the first time I've seen him on the "holly perch", the dead apple tree stump in front of the holly. A favorite perch for birds approaching the feeders, and for those dropping by for a berry snack, he typically prefers hanging out underneath the shrub. But in the midst of all this snow, he seemed to think the perch was a grand idea.
And squirrels. There are many! We seem to have a large batch of late juveniles with irresistable faces and naive curiosity. This one ventured within six feet of me. (Click the image and check out that baby fur!)
Sweet and trouble in one bundle, 
their thick winter coats were striking against the snowy blends of gray and white. Add a colorful leaf or two, and we have nature's magic!
Lovely images, Vickie! The sparrow on an icy branch is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post Vickie. That last shot would make the perfect Christmas card.
ReplyDeleteThe first snow is always so exciting ... lovely shots.
Thank you, Bob and Cynthia. Today, snow melted, I discovered 9 plus in around the holly. I wasn't sure whether they were white-throated or maybe juncos, thought they looked brown. The light is almost gone and I just watched a group of five (those I could see at one time) foraging in the yard...sweet.
ReplyDeleteWhite-throated sparrows, that is.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Arija. I thought the same thing when I saw the image.
ReplyDeleteVickie, what a winter wonderland you live in! Apparently the squirrels agree!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of your snowy yard Vickie. The snow covered holly, and that cute White-throated Sparrow of the tan-striped variety are wonderful. But I must agree that the last shot of the squirrel with its tail curled over its back is a perfect winter wonderland!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's been especially cold all over the country! No snow here yet though. I love that first shot.
ReplyDeleteWow!.. early Christmas snow for you.
ReplyDeleteLove that 1st picture.
Lovely images, Vickie! Love your photographic eye - you make snow look inviting :)
ReplyDeleteWow snow in TN before we have it in KY. It always lends itself to a backdrop that is magical and you captured it beautifully. Love the red holly against the white snow, and the little favs are all adorable!
ReplyDeleteYour artist's eye serves you well...lovely photos. I wouldn't have thought a small brownish bird would be so striking against the snow, but this one certainly is.
ReplyDeleteThey are great photos, I love the background and the birds. The White throat sparrow is one of my winter birds. They are cute!
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