Dark-eyed Juncos

Sometimes it seems like it takes forever to accomplish something you desire. I've been trying to get a good picture of a Dark-eyed Junco for years. They only come here to Central Virginia in the winter time when our yard is covered with fallen leaves. They seem to blend right in and the contrast is awful for photos.

They are so dark that it's hard to get the lighting right to be able to see their eyes. Their cute pink beak is a delight against their slate coloring, but a head with a beak and no eyes looks less than appealing.

We had a recent dusting of snow and it seems to have provided a perfect backdrop for a great shot. I actually have a few good pictures that I like out of 45 that I've taken this winter. The blessings of a digital camera! Some things take awhile, but if they're worth waiting and hoping for, I'm not going to allow myself to get discouraged.