Camera Critters #291

Dark-eyed Juncos are a common sight here.  Most of what I see is the "Oregon Junco" variety.  It breeds in the western coastal states from California to Alaska.  Locally, the bird is known at "The Snow Bird."

The Oregon Junco variety differs from the rest of the Dark-eyed Juncos by having a chestnut colored back and rusty colored sides.

As this photo shows, it helps the bird blend in well with the autumn surroundings.

Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is s a great way to see critters the world over.  Go to the home page here to see more.  Then add your own photo and join the fun.

Camera Critters #247

On Christmas Day, a friend of mine called and asked if I was doing anything and then invited me to spend the day with him and his family.

Knowing he lives in the Ochoco Mountains north of Prineville, Oregon, I said okay.  Before I headed out to his place, I checked my camera…charged batteries…empty SD card…good lens…spare batteries…all were okay and I was ready to go.

When I arrived at his place, the first thing I noticed was about a dozen Mule Deer eating out of some buckets around his house.  Naturally, the deer scattered as I got out of the vehicle, which was when I realized the two inches of snow I got 30 west of there and 2,000 feet lower, was nothing compared to the foot that had fallen at my friend’s place, and was still falling.

As I walked up to his door, I noticed a group of Dark-eyed Juncos in a nearby bush.  Of course, I raised my camera and began snapping away.  There wasn't much light at the time, but I was still able to get a photo of what is nicknamed, “Snow Birds.”



Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.