Snowy Dark-eyed Junco close up, Sequoyah County, OklahomaSnowy Dark-eyed Junco close up – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 1600, +2.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

Two days ago, during Winter Storm Fern, I was able to sit outside and photograph snowy Dark-eyed Junco close ups; sometimes they were even too close. The juncos were hungry, and they weren’t being shy.

Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco kicking up snow in a storm, Sequoyah County, OklahomaSlate-colored Dark-eyed Junco kicking up snow in a storm – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 1600, +2.0 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

The low light, snowy conditions help to create high key type photos, which I like a lot. Having the juncos so close also showed off their fine feather details.

This female junco kicked up the snow when she landed in front of where I sat quietly in my camping chair.

Low light Dark-eyed Junco portrait in a snowstorm, Sequoyah County, OklahomaLow light Dark-eyed Junco portrait in a snowstorm – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 1600, +2.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light

I didn’t stay outside long, because the temps were in the single digits, but I am glad I had enough light to take these close up portraits of the Slate-colored Dark-eyed Juncos that came in for the food I put out.

Snowy Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco male portrait, Sequoyah County, OklahomaSnowy Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco male portrait – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/800, ISO 1600, +2.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

These “snow birds” always remind me of my mother. She loved seeing them when they would visit during the winter in Virginia. Seeing and photographing these juncos was a gift that stirred up wonderful memories.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Dark-eyed Junco photos plus facts and information about this species.