Toasted marshmallows. That what I always think of when I see these birds. In their alternate (breeding) plumage they are purely white with black, but in the winter when they come down into the northern US, we see them in their basic plumage - still a lot of white, but they develop some areas of color that remind me of a marshmallow that has been held over an open campfire. I always enjoy these charismatic little buntings, and while scouting for next weekend's Superbowl of Birding, I couldn't help taking the camera out and shooting some photos of this small cooperative flock.
Surveying it's domain
Stopping by the public pool
I'm ready for my close-up
How could something so cute look aggressive? Well, like this...
I like this shot as you can really see the feather tract detail and the neat pattern on the back
Umm... Nothing funny here
I called this one Narcissus
Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax nivalis
PS - as always click on the photos to see larger versions!
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12 comments:
NIce shots Christopher: that aggression shot in particular is great!
I'm always reminded of toasted marshmallows when I see a gannet's head...
I like the aggression one too. So in breeding plumage, are they like a burnt marshmallow?
Marshmallows are one of the few non-vegetarian things I've eaten in the past few years. They have gelatin, but I LOVE them.
Excellent photos Christopher! We have these birds stop by our yard occasionally, but they are so jumpy.
Toasted marshmallows are a perfect description.
BTW, kosher marshmallows have no gelatin. There are also vegan ones:
http://www.dandiescandies.com/
I can't say if they are any good, as I don't eat the darn things myself.
Great photos - the darker plumage against the white is beautiful.
Christopher great shots. I like narcissus
Oooh! Lovely birds! And great photos!
The are beautiful birds and great photos. I am hoping to see some myself this winter.
Great shots! I'm hoping to see some buntings this year. Haven't been lucky enough to catch them in action.
Great shots! I'm hoping to see some buntings this year. Haven't been lucky enough to catch them in action.
Nice pictures. Snow bunts are getting pretty scarce around here each "winter".
nt shots of the Snow Buntings Chris. My favorite are the two "at the pool." The blue really offsets their color patterns.
Good look to you boys at the Superbowl of Birding!
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