Many of the trails were still covered in snow (but passable) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when I visited the refuge after a recent snow storm over a week ago. Much of that snow is still on the ground and the temperatures continue to be well below the freezing level. Fortunately the weather forecasts predict warmer temperatures next week so eventually the snow will begin to melt away..
On the day of my visit small groups of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) were feverishly foraging for tasty tidbits in the bare patches in the trail paralleling the water. In most of my shots the sparrow’s head was buried in the vegetation. Occasionally, though a sparrow would momentarily lifted its head to check me out, as I captured in the final image.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike, what a beautiful close up of the song sparrow. Recently I went on a snowy walk. Unfortunately, my camera didn’t capture a bird this way, but I heard them all around me.
It’s amazing how a little brown job can brighten our day!
A couple of days ago we had some blowing drizzle and 40 degree temps and a glance out the window revealed six Chipping Sparrows at the feeder. Birds gotta eat!
Happy belated New Year, Mike.