The First Snow Photo of the Season

There’s nothing quite like the first snow of the season—and honestly, nothing quite like the first snow photo of the season either. This year, I was extra ready. I had a small hand-painted tea kettle and a matching little cup just waiting for the birds to arrive. These little treasures, lovingly painted by Mary Mahosky of Mountainside Rustics, have been perched on my feeding platform for weeks, waiting for snow to grace our woods. Mary’s whimsical painting style, which she showcases every October at The Covered Bridge and Arts Festival, blends beautifully with the aura of AzarÉl Greetings. A huge thank you, Mary, for the charming snowman tea kettle and matching cup!

Waiting for Winter

For weeks, the kettle and cup had been outside without a flake of snow in sight. The chickadees, tufted titmice, and woodpeckers were getting quite used to their new dining setup. I checked the platform daily, smiling to myself and imagining the tiny tea parties that might happen. Would the birds visit? (They’ve been a bit scarce for months.) Would someone perch on the handle of the tea kettle?

Finally, on Sunday, December 14, winter decided to make its dramatic entrance. About five inches of snow gently wafted down through the night, blanketing the woods in pristine white. Photography officially began around 9:20 a.m. and wrapped up just after noon. The tea kettle and cup had been filled with black oil sunflower seeds, peanut chips, and suet crumbs—little morsels that pack a lot of energy for our feathered friends. And oh, did they show up!

Friends and Cozy Moments

Seventy-one photos survived the first round of deletions. My ‘first pick’ features a chickadee and a wren. It looks as if the chickadee is just about to pour the first hot cuppa for the wren. They seemed to have a warm winter friendship going on, chirping and hopping over the pot together. I couldn’t help but think, “Good friends and warm moments really do make the perfect blend!” Who’s the friend you share a cozy cup of coffee or tea with during a chilly day?

Ready for the First Cup

In this photo, a little chickadee is poised to dive headfirst into his first cup of tea. His eagerness reminds me of how I feel on a cold winter morning, waiting for that first hot cup to warm my hands and heart. There’s something magical about sharing a moment—whether with birds or friends—that makes winter mornings feel a little brighter.

Fluff Overload

A final photo features a hairy woodpecker. He’s robin-sized, much larger than the little songbirds. The fluffiness is astonishing on such a cold day! He has his beak partly open, nibbling on a crumb of suet, and I swear he looks like he’s saying, “This is my kind of birthday celebration.” Simple, cozy, and perfect—much like a great winter birthday wish.

If you love this photography, be sure to visit AzarElGreetings.com. You never know what surprising thing the birds will do next! The selection of handmade greeting cards keeps grown. There is charming wall décor to freshen up your walls. (Have you actually stopped and smiled at your wall decor lately?) This unique photography brings on the smiles!

Looking Forward

This first snow photo session left me smiling and grateful. I know there will be many more winter bird photography moments to come. I look forward to sipping my own hot coffee, watching the snow fall, and waiting for our little visitors to arrive. There’s something special about sharing warmth—through a cup, a snack, or simply time spent together—with friends, human or feathered.

The first snow of the season is always magical, but seeing it through the eyes of tiny birds, hopping around a little snowman teapot, makes it even sweeter. Here’s to cozy winter mornings, delightful surprises, and the joy of capturing those perfect, fleeting moments.