White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) have such a distinctive look that I can usually identify them—many other sparrows are so similar in appearance that it is hard for me to identify them. Their little white “beards” always make me think of Santa Claus, but the bright yellow markings near their eyes are my favorite feature.
I photographed these two individuals during recent visits to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. White-throated Sparrows are winter visitors to our area that return north in the spring.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
😁. I’m not the joy me confused by the little guys like this 😂😂. Nice captures, you must have much more patience than me.
I love the details in her eyes! Great captures! Hope I can take pictures like this someday. 😀
I do so love a wee rotund bird. They remind you of Santa but they make me think of Christmas puddings.
An awful lot of the birds looked rotund during our super cold days surrounding Christmas. This last week, they fortunately have not had to fluff up their feathers to stay warm. 🙂