Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Our snow birds are happy...

...because we have snow! What a perfect way to start the new year. It seems the persimmon seeds we cracked open this autumn were right...

A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) in the snow...the first bird of 2013!
A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) in the snow...the first bird of 2013!
I took these photos a few days ago when the snow first fell, but they fit perfectly with today's post because a Dark-eyed Junco was the first bird Rick and I saw this morning. Three little junkies were hopping on the deck, eating seeds I scattered last night.

A male Dark-eyed Junco sitting in a young mulberry tree as snow falls softly.
A male Dark-eyed Junco sitting in a young mulberry tree as snow falls softly.

...after rooting for seeds in the snow, this little female comes up with a snootful!
A female Dark-eyed Junco with a bill full of snow!

A sweet female Dark-eyed Junco roots in the snow for seeds.
...a snow bird on a snowy day.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
...and all the best for 2013!


...for past First Bird of the Year posts, click here.
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25 comments:

  1. Roy NorrisJanuary 1, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Happy New Year Kelly.

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  2. Gillian OlsonJanuary 1, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    Lovely shots, Happy New Year Kelly.

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  3. grammie gJanuary 1, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    Hi Kelly... So what is this persimmon
    seed being right???
    I think the Junco are so cute,first in the morning and the last to visit at almost dark : )
    Loooove the snow beak : }!!
    Enjoy the new year ...
    Grace

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  4. TexWisGirlJanuary 1, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    really sweet little ones. happy new year, kelly!

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  5. RoyJanuary 1, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    Happy New Year, Kelly! Yeah, I have Juncos all over, too. The House Sparrows make a mess in the feeder, so there's seed all over the snow beneath it, and it's Junco Heaven under there. I saw a White-throated Sparrow doing some snow-foraging under there with them yesterday, and there was a Red-breasted Nuthatch at the suet feeder. The snow really brings the birds out!

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  6. Kerri FarleyJanuary 1, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    Oh I DO love these little sweeties!
    Happy New Year my friend!!

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  7. Kathy A. JohnsonJanuary 1, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    Happy new year to you, your family and the little Juncos! May you spy many more feathered friends in the coming months.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 1, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Happy New Year Kelly, love these shots in the snow, still waiting for our first fall of the winter.

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  9. KellyJanuary 1, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Grammie.......the persimmon weather prediction thing is nn old wive's tale my Aunt Pat taught me: split a persimmon seed and see what the embryo looks like. If it's a spoon, lots of snow is on the way. Click the word persimmon in the post, and it will take you to a post with details. :-)

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  10. Jo AnnJanuary 1, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    I hadn't heard that tale about the persimmon seed. I'll have to check ours next fall! Wonderful pics of the snow birds, Kelly.

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  11. Carol MattinglyJanuary 1, 2013 at 5:02 PM

    They're beautiful. Happy New Year.

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  12. Betsy Banks AdamsJanuary 1, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    Happy New Year, Kelly. We always get Dark-eyed Juncos here during the cold, snowy winters. HOWEVER, we haven't had any snow much (except for a tiny tiny bit)... SO I have not see the Juncos yet. Sigh!!!!

    Your snow and birdies are gorgeous!!!! I'm jealous.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  13. JMJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Cool shots Kelly! Always love seeing these little guys.

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  14. cindyzlogicJanuary 2, 2013 at 2:31 AM

    Wonderful photography, Kelly!! Juncos are such favorites of mine!

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  15. ElaineJanuary 2, 2013 at 2:32 AM

    Lovely shots! Glad to see our summer birds are doing so well at your place. Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead for you and your family!

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  16. The Hairy BirderJanuary 2, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    And a Happy New Year to you Kelly!

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  17. Wanda.....January 2, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    Wishing you a new year of bright and cheerful happenings, Kelly!

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  18. Tammie LeeJanuary 2, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    so cute to see these little beaks coated in snow. funny thing is there is a neighbors dog at the base of my driveway right now burrowing it's nose in snow too! popular thing to do. lovely new year to you Kelly!

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  19. Dawn FineJanuary 2, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Happy New Year Kelly! Thanks for sharing your snowbirds :)

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  20. MontanagirlJanuary 2, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    Happy New Year, Kelly. Love your Juncos. We have a few around our yard too.

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  21. forgetmenotJanuary 3, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Kelly, Happy New Year-hope it is filled with peace, joy, and many blessings. My New Year's resolution is to come to your blog frequently--always so many amazing photos to see. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us. Mickie :)

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  22. Susan EllisJanuary 3, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Interesting -we get Juncos very late in the fall, then very early in the spring...heading to and from your place I'm guessing! Happy New Year!

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  23. KellyJanuary 3, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, and I think we're all looking forward to 2013! All the best to everyone!

    Thanks for your kind words! These little juncoes are so cute. I love watching them.

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  24. GuyJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    Hi Kelly

    Beautiful shots of the Juncos their delicate beauty really shines in you photos. All the best in the New Year.

    Guy

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  25. UnknownJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Hi Kelly, I just found your blog and I love it! Your beautiful photos and artistic talent are inspiring. I love the photos of juncos with snow on their beak. So cute. Cheers and happy near year!

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