Winter presents unique challenges for a wildlife photographer. The cold bites at your fingers, the wind howls through barren trees, and the snow muffles the world into a quiet stillness. It takes determination to step outside, camera in hand, and push through the elements. But the reward? A perspective shift, an intimate glimpse into how wildlife endures the cold, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of nature.
My adventure began with a small songbird—a dark-eyed junco and a song sparrow hopping around in the snow, searching for scattered seeds. Their perseverance reminded me why I was out here, braving the frigid air.
Dark-eyed Juncos are built for winter, often called 'snowbirds' because of their preference for colder climates. Their thick feathers and efficient metabolism help them stay warm, and they’re experts at foraging for tiny seeds on the snow-covered ground, flicking through debris with impressive precision.
Despite their small size, Song Sparrows are remarkably tough in winter. They fluff up their feathers to trap warm air and can be seen foraging persistently, scratching through the snow in search of seeds and insects. Their resilience in harsh conditions is a quiet reminder of nature’s adaptability.
I moved on and soon encountered a female peahen, delicately pecking through the snow at the seed I had tossed out as a token of thanks for her photo. Peafowl, despite their tropical origins, are surprisingly resilient in winter. Their dense plumage provides insulation against the cold, and they adapt by seeking sheltered spots and foraging strategically. Watching the peahen carefully pick through the snow reminded me of their incredible ability to endure harsh conditions with quiet persistence.
As I approached the water, a pair of lesser scaups—male and female—floated just offshore, eyeing me cautiously. They were hesitant to come onto land, so I tossed some seed into the water for them.
Not to be outdone, a group of mallards came waddling over, eager for their share. It was a lively scene, but I didn’t linger long. The ducks were well-fed by other visitors, and I was on a mission: to photograph squirrels in the snow.
Mallards are incredibly adaptable to winter conditions, thanks to their thick down feathers that trap heat and keep them warm, even in freezing waters. Their webbed feet lack nerves and blood vessels, preventing frostbite while they paddle effortlessly through icy ponds. Watching them waddle across the snow, unfazed by the cold, is a testament to their hardiness.
Venturing deeper into the forested area where squirrels are often found, I was stopped in my tracks by a stunning varied thrush, also known as a swamp robin. I had never seen one so close in the city, let alone had the chance to photograph it.
And yes, of course, as a wildlife photographer, I always get shown the 'butt'—whether it’s a bird taking off just as I press the shutter, a squirrel scampering away mid-frame, or a duck paddling off in the opposite direction. It’s almost like they know exactly when to turn their backs on me!
The bird was puffed up against the cold, and I couldn't blame it—I had forgotten my photographer gloves, and my fingers were starting to ache from the -9°C temperature. After capturing a few portraits, I reluctantly moved on, my mind already set on warming up in the car.
But nature had one more surprise for me. Near my car, I spotted a Northern Flicker digging in the dirt for grubs. It stood perfectly still, allowing me to capture its intricate patterns and warm hues. Northern Flickers are one of the few woodpeckers that spend more time foraging on the ground than in trees, even in winter. Their thick plumage keeps them warm, and they use their long, barbed tongues to extract ants and beetle larvae from frozen soil. Seeing one persistently digging in the cold earth was a reminder of how wildlife adapts to find food in even the harshest conditions.
It wasn’t until I was home, editing the images, that I fully appreciated its stunning mix of colors—so many different shades blending together seamlessly.
As I neared my car, my eyes caught something unusual—a monkey tail tree adorned with what looked like large fur balls clustered at the top. Against the stark winter sky, they almost seemed otherworldly, swaying gently in the cold breeze. I still have no idea what they were, but they added an unexpected touch of mystery to my winter adventure.
Just as I thought my photography outing was complete, I felt drawn to the shoreline, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of my favorite birds. The snow had melted in this area, and the sun peeked through the clouds, but the wind was fierce. Fighting against the gusts, I scanned the water and gasped in delight—Northern Shovelers! I had never seen them here before. My 600mm lens proved invaluable as I captured shots of the pair before they quickly paddled away.
Northern Shovelers are well-equipped for winter waters, with dense, insulating feathers that keep them warm even in freezing temperatures. Their specialized, spoon-shaped bills help them filter food efficiently from the water, allowing them to thrive in cold, shallow wetlands. Watching them paddle effortlessly through the frigid waves, seemingly unbothered by the icy wind, was a testament to their adaptability.
Unlike the bold, iridescent plumage of the males, female Northern Shovelers blend seamlessly into their surroundings with their mottled brown feathers. This earthy camouflage helps protect them from predators, especially in open wetlands during winter. Though subtle at first glance, their intricate feather patterns are a stunning display of nature’s design, perfectly suited for survival.
Aren't they gorgeous?
The shoreline was teeming with life—black oystercatchers, dunlins, killdeer and a lone plover. I had never seen so many of these shorebirds in one place and so close. Standing still at a respectful distance, I watched as they feasted on their dinner, allowing me to document their moments with quiet reverence.
Black Oystercatchers are well-adapted to life along the rugged coastline, where cold winds and icy waves are a constant. Their dense, waterproof feathers provide insulation, keeping them warm as they forage along the shoreline. Instead of avoiding the frigid waters, they wade confidently into the tide, using their powerful, chisel-like bills to pry open shellfish. Their ability to withstand winter’s harsh conditions without migrating far highlights just how specialized they are for coastal survival.
Look at the feet this guy has. Black Oystercatchers have surprisingly sturdy and almost cartoonishly cute feet—thick, fleshy, and perfectly adapted for life on slippery, rocky shores. Their strong, pinkish legs and wide, leathery toes help them grip uneven surfaces, preventing slips as they navigate crashing waves and shifting tides. Seeing them up close, their feet almost look oversized for their bodies, but they’re a crucial tool for survival in the harsh coastal environment.
I wonder what he's thinking of me taking his portrait? Hahah.
Dunlins are true winter survivors just like many shorebirds, often braving frigid coastal environments long after other shorebirds have migrated south. Their dense plumage provides excellent insulation, and they stay warm by fluffing up their feathers to trap heat. Rather than avoiding icy waters, they continue their tireless foraging, using their long, sensitive bills to probe the mud for small invertebrates. Watching them move in synchronized flocks along the shoreline, undeterred by wind and waves, is a striking reminder of their resilience.
Plovers may appear delicate, but they are remarkably well-adapted to cold coastal habitats. Their compact bodies and thick down help them retain warmth, while their energetic foraging keeps their metabolism high in colder months. Rather than wading into deep water, they rely on their quick, darting movements to snatch up small insects and marine invertebrates along the shoreline. Even in the harshest winter winds, they remain active and alert, proving that even the smallest shorebirds can handle extreme conditions.
Finally, when my body had reached its frozen limit, I retreated to the warmth of my car, a huge smile spread across my face. What an incredible experience. I marveled at these birds, at their ability to endure the bitter cold, to wade in icy waters, to thrive despite the elements. How do they do it? I don’t know. I only know that they do.
Winter photography is challenging—there’s no denying that. But with fewer people out, it offers something truly special: a closer encounter with wildlife, a chance to witness their resilience up close, and an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that feels both humbling and inspiring. And, despite my frozen fingers, I think I’m starting to warm up to winter photography.
A heartwarming visit on a cold winters day---the highlight was the Northern Shovelers.