The Junco with the Snowball

I don’t expect you to believe it, but I saw a Dark-eyed Junco roll up a small snowball after landing on the ground. I’m not an expert in birds, but I’m pretty sure snowballs aren’t part of their diet. So, what was the little bird up to? Was it planning to attack the chickadees or seeking revenge on the squirrels that had been stealing its sunflower seeds?

I chuckled at the thought. Here I was, sitting on my deck, photographing birds at my feeders with numb fingers, and this tiny fluffball was contemplating a snowball fight or maybe a solo snowman-building extravaganza.

To the Junco with the snowball, I salute you. You may not win the Great Backyard Brawl (squirrels are vicious!), but you’ve won my heart (and maybe a starring role in my next viral TikTok video). Just promise me one thing: next time, aim for the squirrels. Those furry bandits deserve a good pelting.

So, the next time you’re feeling defeated by the winter blues, remember the Junco who rolled a snowball. Channel your inner feathered warrior, grab a snowball (or a mug of hot cocoa if your hands are as frozen as mine were), and go out there and make your winter adventure. Who knows, maybe you’ll even inspire a few laughs along the way.

My yard is the perfect spot for me to photograph birds in bad weather when I can’t go anywhere. I have many different birds that come to my feeders, and I can photograph them from my deck. When my fingers get too cold to handle my camera, I can go inside to warm them up.

Image Information:

• Date: 01/15/24
• Time: 1:08 PM
• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
• ISO: 1600
• Aperture: 8
• Shutter: 1/2000
• Exp. Comp.:+2.0
• Lens (mm): 500
• Program Mode: Manual