A Winter Walk in the Orchard | Northern California Fine Art Photography
During the winter months, I’ve been trying to walk daily regardless of the weather. My route is usually the perimeter of our walnut orchard. The trees are bare now which makes bird-watching a bit easier. The naked trees exhibit their architecture of somewhat tangled branches. At first the orchard seems lifeless until you hear the chirping of the birds and catch their movement among the branches. The variety of birds during winter is a bit different from those who visit in the warm months.
Winter concentrates birds around reliable food sources, and orchards—though tidy in appearance—offer more than one might think. Fallen nuts, lingering seeds, overwintering insects, and the shelter of structured rows make them attractive corridors for wildlife. That wildlife includes deer and squirrels among other animals. Of course, hawks and turkey vultures patrol the area for their own feast.
Although the orchard is ‘sleeping’, waiting for spring to sprout leaves and nuts, there is quiet activity all around. Here are a few of the birds I’ve photographed recently in the walnut orchard during some of my February walks.
White Crown Sparrow
Downy Woodpecker
Red Squirrel
Spotted Towee
Acorn Woodpecker in Walnut Orchard
As much as I enjoy merging my walk with some photography, I’ve found that the two activities are not really suitable for multi-tasking. The walking impedes my photography. While the photography slows my walking pace. But, that probably won’t stop me from enjoying them both simultaneously.
Make it a great week and get out there!
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
During the winter months, I’ve been trying to walk daily regardless of the weather. My route is usually the perimeter of our walnut orchard. The trees are bare now which makes bird-watching a bit easier.