Backyard birds battle the ice

Photo by Chris Bosak Black-capped chickadee perches on an icy branch, February 2025.

A snowy mix covered much of New England this weekend. It started as snow, then changed to freezing rain, and finally just plain, old rain. The freezing rain formed a hard covering over the snow and sheathed every branch in ice. While walking or driving in these conditions is not advised, it’s always fun to look out the window and see how the birds are handling it. As the photos suggest, they are doing just fine. (Sorry for the grainy photos. Not a whole lot of light to work with.)

Photo by Chris Bosak Tufted titmouse takes cover among icy branches, February 2025.
Photo by Chris Bosak A junco perches on icy branches in New England, February 2025.
Photo by Chris Bosak A starling perches on icy wires in New England, February 2025.
Photo by Chris Bosak Black-capped chickadee perches on an icy branch, February 2025.