A Winter Surprise: Photographing Birds in the Snow - Feb 1, 2025

This morning, I woke up expecting to spend a few hours learning how to mend nets with a local volunteer group in preparation for their spring banding season. However, Mother Nature had other plans—the session was canceled due to snow.

While the change of plans was unexpected, I saw an opportunity. I've always wanted to photograph birds in the snow, and today felt like the perfect chance. With my camera in hand, I set off, though I wasn’t feeling very optimistic at first. The streets and sidewalks looked bare—where was all the snow?

Then, I found it. A local park was blanketed in white, transforming into a winter wonderland. I stood in awe, feeling as if I had stepped into a scene from a snowy movie. The world around me softened, wrapped in a quiet stillness that only snow can bring.

As I stepped onto the snowy path, I was immediately greeted by a a few American Robins in different parts of the park. The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of North America’s most familiar and beloved birds. Recognizable by their bright orange-red breast, grayish-brown back, and cheerful song, robins are often seen hopping across lawns, tugging earthworms from the soil. While they are commonly associated with spring, many robins actually stay in colder regions year-round, forming loose flocks and switching their diet from worms to berries in winter.

These hardy birds play an important role in their ecosystems, helping to spread seeds through their fruit-based winter diet. They are also a wonderful sign of the changing seasons—welcoming spring with their melodic dawn chorus and bright presence.

Seeing them against a snowy backdrop, feasting on berries, was a reminder of their adaptability and resilience—a perfect reflection of nature’s quiet strength.

A few Spotted Towhees flitted nearby, almost as if they were following me. What struck me most was how accommodating they were, allowing me to take their photos without skittishness. It felt incredible—like they were sharing this magical moment with me.

The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is a striking, ground-dwelling songbird often found rustling through leaf litter in search of food. With their bold black head, white-spotted wings, and rich rusty-orange sides, they are a stunning sight—especially against the contrast of freshly fallen snow.

Towhees are known for their "two-footed hop-scratch" technique, where they kick up leaves and debris to uncover hidden insects and seeds. While they can be elusive, their harsh, cat-like “mew” call often gives them away before you spot them.

These birds thrive in shrubby areas, forest edges, and backyards, making them a wonderful species to observe in urban green spaces. Seeing them follow me through the snow-covered park made the moment feel even more special—as if they were as curious about me as I was about them.

This particular Spotted Towhee had some serious attitude. Just after gulping down a berry, he turned to face me, his beak still stained with red, giving me what I can only describe as a "What are you looking at?" expression. His piercing gaze and slightly ruffled feathers made it clear—he wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed by my attention. It was one of those perfect, candid wildlife moments that reminded me just how full of personality birds can be.

I was completely absorbed in the beauty of it all, yet a part of me ached. This was a moment I wished my mom could have been there for. Was she watching me from heaven? Was she there with me? I like to believe she was.

When I take a bird’s photo, there is a moment of connection—pure bliss. The world ceases to exist around me. Time slows. It’s just me and the bird, locked in a quiet understanding. I don’t know how to explain it, but in those moments, I feel something beyond words—something profound.

After spending time capturing the robins and towhees, I decided to head back to my car. Just as I reached it, the snowfall began again—soft, delicate flakes drifting down.

Inspired, I drove to a local estuary to see if any shorebirds were braving the winter conditions. Luck was on my side. Black Turnstones and Brewer’s Blackbirds were foraging along the shoreline, their dark plumage standing out against the snowy landscape. I watched, mesmerized, as they searched for food, adapting effortlessly to the changing weather.

The Black Turnstone is a fascinating shorebird found along rocky coastlines and estuaries. True to their name, these birds “turn stones” as they forage, flipping over pebbles and debris to uncover hidden invertebrates like small crustaceans and insects.

With their bold black-and-white plumage, they blend seamlessly into their rugged coastal habitat, making them easy to overlook until they suddenly scurry across the shoreline. Unlike many shorebirds, Black Turnstones don’t wade in the water but prefer to stay along the edges, skillfully navigating rocks and seaweed-covered terrain.

Seeing them forage in the melting snow was a rare and mesmerizing experience. It was a reminder of their adaptability and resilience—how they continue their daily survival, unfazed by the ever-changing coastal conditions.

One Brewer’s Blackbird in particular stole the show. As I snapped a few shots, he paused mid-forage, tilting his head as if he were sizing me up. His glossy black feathers shimmered even in the snowy light, but his beady eyes told a different story—one of mild annoyance at my intrusion. With a snowflake resting delicately on his beak, he gave me a look that seemed to say, "You again? Can’t a bird eat in peace?" It was the kind of moment that makes wildlife photography so special—capturing not just the beauty of a bird, but its attitude too.

The Brewer’s Blackbird is a striking bird with glossy, iridescent feathers that shimmer with hints of deep purple, green, and blue when caught in the right light. Males have sleek, jet-black plumage with piercing yellow-white eyes, giving them a bold and confident look.

At the estuary, I spotted a gorgeous European Starling waiting for the perfect opportunity to feast on some bird seed or bugs. Starlings aren’t always well-liked, often seen as noisy or invasive, but there’s no denying their beauty. This particular female was breathtaking, her dark plumage speckled with delicate white heart-shaped spots, almost like nature had painted her in tiny constellations. Unlike their usual boisterous reputation, she wasn’t being pushy—just waiting, observing, and shining in the soft winter light.

Did You Know? 

They are actually amazing mimics—capable of imitating other birds, human speech, and even mechanical sounds! Some have even been known to copy car alarms and cell phone ringtones. And let’s be honest—they know they’re fabulous. With their shimmering feathers and speckled patterns, they strut around like they own the place. That female I spotted today? She had serious main character energy, standing back and waiting for just the right moment to make her move. No pushing, no chaos—just pure, calculated confidence. A true diva in the bird world.

I wondered: was there anything else out there? I was ready to go on the hunt—the photo hunt. But just as I prepared to explore further, a thick fog rolled in, and the sky released a flurry of big, fluffy snowflakes. It felt like a sign. My adventure for the day had come to an end.

Winter photography is challenging, but today reminded me why it’s worth the effort. The soft light, the snow-laden branches, the way birds adapt and thrive—it’s all incredible to witness. I headed home feeling fulfilled, grateful for the unexpected gift of a snowy day spent with my feathered friends.