Snow Bunting:
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"... These birds appear in the northern districts of the United States, early in December, or with the first heavy snow, particularly if drifted by high winds. They are usually called the White Snow-bird, to distinguish them from the small dark bluish Snow-bird already described [Junco]. Their numbers increase with the increasing severity of weather, and depth of snow. Flocks of them sometimes reach as far south as the borders of Maryland; and the whiteness of their plumage is observed to be greatest towards the depth of winter. ... They are, however, universally considered as the harbingers of severe cold weather.
..."
[Alexander Wilson, 1828, "American Ornithology", vol.II, p.197]
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Portland, Oregon, near PDX ...
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Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near Portland International Airport (PDX).
Late afternoon, sunny and cold.
Image taken January 1, 2012.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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This is the SAME Snow Bunting as the one seen at Broughton Beach, just a different location.
Broughton Beach borders the Columbia River on the north side of the airport.
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Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Front and back, Snow Bunting, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting and Mount Hood, Portland, Oregon, near PDX.
Sunny and cold.
Image taken December 22, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Broughton Beach, Oregon ...
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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"Taking a bath" ... Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Click image to enlarge
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Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Because of the extensive white in the back and the white/black ratio on R3 tail feather, some think this bird might be a McKay's Bunting. Experienced birders are looking into it now.
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... with American Pipit ...
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Click image to enlarge
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American Pipit and Snow Bunting, Broughton Beach, Columbia River, Oregon.
Sunny and cold, temperature in the high 30s low 40s.
Image taken December 13, 2011.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Ridgefield NWR, Washington ...
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Snow Bunting.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington, River "S" Unit.
Image taken, November 23, 2010.
According to birding record-keepers, this particular bird is the first ever documented Snow Bunting in Clark County.
MORE
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Snow Bunting images
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