The second day of the big snowstorm here in Arkansas last week had me out on the deck, taking snowy Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco photos along with other birds.
Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco in an Arkansas snowstorm – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 1000, +2.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 371mm, natural light
I’m especially fond of Dark-eyed Juncos because they remind me of my mom and how we’d call each other when juncos first appeared in our yards and gardens in Virginia.
This first snowstorm for me here in Arkansas brought back other memories of my mom. She and I also called each other when we had our first snow of the year. I missed calling her for both this year.
Mom loved other birds too, but at this time of year, it was all about the juncos—the “snow birds”—and snowstorms. The juncos will always remind me of her.
Resting Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco in fog and snow – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, +2.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Even though the conditions were tough—with low light, clouds, fog, and falling snow—I took hundreds of bird photos that day. I’ll probably be sharing them for a while, but hey, it doesn’t snow all that often here, and I made the most of the snowy conditions. Why wouldn’t I?
I adore this kind of snowy, low-light photo. The soft, diffused light enhances the bird’s delicate features, highlighting every detail of the feathers and revealing subtleties that might be lost in brighter conditions.
The snowy canvas provided by nature creates a stunning backdrop, allowing the bird’s appearance to stand out in striking contrast.
There’s something serene about these scenes, where the simplicity of snow and shadow emphasizes the quiet beauty of wildlife.
Moments like these remind me why I find such joy in photographing birds in all kinds of light and weather conditions.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Dark-eyed Junco photos plus facts and information about this species.
These shots are almost surreal. It’s as though the Junco is simply rising out of the snow like the mythical Phoenix. The detail is extraordinary. Thanks Mia.
You couldn’t call your mama but you thought of her – which is a call in itself.
Love this snowy beauty – and admire its hardiness.