As Thanksgiving approaches, my inbox has been flooded with adds announcing the latest winter arrivals. There are comfy sweaters, cozy socks, and coats for every climate – all offered at “amazingly low prices.”
Well, I am not rushing out to any stores, but I have been checking out my backyard looking for its latest winter arrivals. Over the past week I have seen three of our seasonal guests, all hanging out around the Camellia Bush.
First on the list is the Dark-eyed Junco, who has been extremely camera shy. He darts out from under the bush only long enough to grab a snack or a quick sip of water and then disappears again beneath the safety of the branches. Hopefully, he will get braver as he gets a bit more used to the surroundings, and allow me to get a closer and clearer picture.
The White-throated Sparrow has also returned. Aren’t his markings beautiful? He will visit the various feeders and water dishes, but prefers to perch on the branches of the bush when he is resting.
And last, but definitely not least, is the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. I adore these little birds, but they are difficult to photograph. They hop and twitch and barely sit still for a second. I once got a picture of this fellow displaying his crown; it is still one of my all time favorites.
So, while I am able to resist the allure of the ads (despite being addicted to cozy socks) I find the appeal of these winter visitors absolutely irresistible.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
So exciting to see your new visitors. We are too. I am trying to be sure feeders are kept full for our new seasonal friends 🙂
Well then… I will look forward to some photos. 🙂
You bet!
I love dark eyes juncos! Great bird photos
I am hoping I can get some better pictures while they are here. Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
Love them 🙂 Nice pictures
Thanks…and thanks for stopping in. 🙂
Very nice photos. I really like your Ruby-crowned Kinglet. They are neat birds. I have one I have been trying to get a good photo of and he will cooperate!
They are such fidgety little birds.
Lovely little birds :-). Very cool that you saw a Ruby-crowned kinglet displaying his crown a while ago and got some great pictures!
I have to confess, the one with the crown displayed really made me happy! 🙂
Those Ruby-crowned Kinglets are tough to photograph — great pix!
I find them both frustrating and fascinating! I’m pretty sure I squeal every time I see one though.
They are all adorable and looking so debonair! Great photo of the white-throat. 🙂