A wintery spring wonderland

Was it the weight on its branches, or the disheartening sight of more spring-time snow that caused our poor birch tree to bend far enough to touch the ground? Is it surrendering, admitting defeat to the winter that hangs on so ferociously? Perhaps its bowing in prayer for all this to finally be over so it can grow its leaves and enjoy the sunshine and warmth of summer. 

The winterscape was a pretty sight to wake up to, and I found nothing to complain about. The birds did not seem to mind, either. Especially my winter birds, the juncos. They perched on that drooping tree as they would any other day, seeming to hide behind curtains of little branches. And really, they look the most stunning when surrounded by snow. 

Action Shots

Slate Colored Junco

Is this junco not the prettiest? I love his charcoal color and contrasting tummy. His tail feathers fan out black and white to look like a referee jersey. There have been so many at the feeder this week, I wonder if they're fueling up before heading north for the summer.

Carefully Observing

I was out in the yard taking photos of the leaves and saw a few juncos observing me very carefully.

Juncos! Part II

After our big snow yesterday I put out some bird seed making sure there was some scattered on the ground to attract the juncos. Here is one happy little guy. The photo doesn't do him justice; his charcoal black coat and fluffy white underbelly look so cozy atop of blanket of clean snow.

Juncos!

The slate juncos have returned! These little snowbirds are about the size of a sparrow and have beautiful gray feathers and soft white bellies. In flight their tails fan out into a contrasting slate and white sail. They look especially pretty on a snowy day. I startled one the other day and he called out in a hard tic sound, but I think they also have a few songs in their repertoire.

Pictures don't do them justice this time of year. I'll wait for the day when they cluster under my feeder atop a clean blanket of snow.