Snow Birds

Day 133: Late-season snow has come to the Pacific Northwest, not as a flurry, not as a shower, but as a full-fledged fall of inches presently nearing a foot of depth. With it, the Dark-Eyed Juncos arrive at the feeders abundantly, giving rise to their locally common appellation, "Snow Birds." They share politely with the Song Sparrows and the Towhees, and gladly pick up the seed scattered by the careless Steller's Jays who seemingly disperse more than they eat. Year-'round residents they are, who shrug off this untimely snow with typical complacence, "Oh, I guess it isn't Spring yet. Oh, well," and then go about business as cheerfully as usual.