Winter’s Songsters

Winter can seem so unbearably long, especially when the temperatures dip to -40 Celsius and sometimes lower in this neck of the woods. In the early morn it can be as cold as -50s with the windchill factored in. It has not been fun driving to work in an ice haze, which is similar to a thick fog. Added to this is the frozen exhaust fumes from vehicles in front of me as I drove white-knuckled to work. These cold snaps do not last long – usually not more than a few days.

I joke that I cannot think straight because I am experiencing brain freeze (is that really a thing? It feels like it might be). At any rate, my friend Kathy enjoys winter. She is an avid skier and an outdoor enthusiast through all the seasons. Her collection of winter nature photos are every bit as wonderful as those she’s captured at any other time of year. She very kindly consented for me to use her photographs on my blog. This is the second installment. If you visit the island of Newfoundland in Canada you, too, may see some of the birds featured here. Without further ado here are some of the images captured by nature photographer, Kathy Marche.

Visitors to bird feeders include Redpolls – Kathy Marche photo

This little Redpoll must have been foraging for seed under the snow – Kathy Marche photo

What a treat to see Goldfinches in winter. – Kathy Marche photo

White-rumped Sandpipers like the seashore. – Kathy Marche photo

Black-capped Chick-a-dees can be seen at all times of the year. – Kathy Marche photo

The Boreal chick-a-dee is also a frequent visitor – Kathy Marche photo

Siskin in the snow — such a pretty little bird! – Kathy Marche photo

Newfoundlanders are always happy to see the return of the American Robin – one of the first signs of Spring! – Kathy Marche photo

Blue Jays stay year round. – Kathy Marche photo

While their cry is not exactly music to the ears, Blue Jays are quite pretty birds. – Kathy Marche photo

Snow bunting – so aptly named! – Kathy Marche photo

Another shot of a Snow Bunting – love the color in its cheeks! – Kathy Marche photo

This Willow Ptarmigan is well disguised to avoid predators, my friend has a good eye! – photo by Kathy Marche

Once again, sincere thanks to Kathy Marche for allowing me to showcase some of her beautiful photographs here. I hope you enjoy them.