The younger beech trees have retained their leaves, giving the forest a bronze undercoat that shivers in the wind. The bird community has shifted to its winter assemblage. Juncos are dark smudges that dart among clumps of goldenrod now topped by wool.

There are still glimpses of bright color among the winter birds. A flicker exposes the yellow underside of his tail to me as it displaces a downy woodpecker from a tree trunk. A male golden-crowned kinglet flits by, giving us a flash of orange and yellow as we walk the dogs. A closer look at cedar waxwings decorating a small tree reveals bright yellow tail tips. They create a design that changes as birds come in, shift branches, and leave with heartbeat like regularity. Occasionally they pluck at dangling grapes as if nibbling on hors d’oeuvres.

Blue jays and cardinals are the showiest, yet even they are a bit lackluster when the sky is thick and heavy with clouds. Chickadees and titmice make themselves noticeable despite wearing the same gray color scheme year-round. They gather in big chattering groups that attract hangers-on interested in food and safety. Usually a pair of white-breasted nuthatches will be working their way down a tree among them. Other common sights are downy woodpeckers and maybe a brown creeper.

This morning snow filled the air and left a light dusting that melted as the day progressed. Soon we’ll get our first real snowfall that will blanket the ground and bring out the colors. The birds will seem more festive on my walks, and life will be a little harder for them.