I finally got out of my house on Thursday and visited Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Large numbers of sparrows were busily pecking on the ground alongside the trails, many of which were still partially covered with snow. The sparrows would scatter as I approached, often disappearing deep into the surrounding vegetation, but occasionally one would stay still long enough for me to take its photo.
The first image shows what I believe is a White-throated Sparrow, surrounded by a bounty of berries. The second image shows a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), foraging in the snow-covered grasses. I photographed the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in the third image in my neighborhood, but decided to include it here among its fellow sparrows.
The last two photos show a rotund White-throated Sparrow—like so many birds at this time of the year, this sparrow has puffed up his feathers to try to stay warm in the frigid weather. The final photo shows a blurry Northern Cardinal foraging in the background, a visible indication of the peaceful coexistence of multiple species as they searched for food.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
They are beautiful, Mike! I had a great time watching the birds at our feeder in the snowy weather y’day! I counted 10 species! The biggest surprise was a demure Carolina Wren. I didn’t know they visited sunflower feeders! Fun!