NYC First Snow of 2012
Snow poured down on the city early yesterday morning.
Huge white flakes quieted the traffic
and veiled the water towers from view.
In Riverside Park, sledders of all sizes gathered at the 108th Street slope.
Looking north, the retaining wall took on a ghostly appearance.
When we started our walk, snow was still coming down and the park was strangely quiet with no animals to be seen and no birds singing. Where were they all?
The raccoons were probably nestled all snug in their den.
But look! The snow is stopping, and a solitary squirrel comes out to forage, almost disappearing into the snow.
Gray squirrels are made for winter camouflage,
as is this mixed flock of sparrows and junkos. The little birds vanish into snow and bare branches.
Fluttering into a more open space, one bird seems to be looking for something he’s lost, burrowing deep into the snow until only his tail shows.
Soon I’ll write more about urban animals in winter.
But now, it’s time to continue our walk. Esau’s waiting.
Explore posts in the same categories: 2012, Birds, dogs, Domestic animals, In the City, NYC Parks, raccoons, Riverside Park, Seasons, Squirrels, Wildlife/Natural History, WinterTags: animals in winter, gray squirrel in snow, Riverside Park in snow, sledding riverside park, snowfall 2012 NYC, sparrows junkos in snow, squirrel camouflage
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January 22, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Lovely. little bird in the snow with his tail up, just like a duck…
January 22, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Another poem to the city–thank you!
January 26, 2012 at 7:54 am
You’re welcome.
January 22, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Sounds magical. Love the photos!
January 26, 2012 at 7:54 am
Thank you!