We have lots, and I mean LOTS, of dark-eyed juncos around our place. The form of
Junco hyemalis that hangs out in our region is the slate-colored. I just learned today that juncos are sparrows. I guess I never really thought about it before - they are one of those birds that I don't ever remember not knowing. They hop around on the ground below our feeders, picking up bits of seed that have fallen. I rarely see them on the feeder perches. They are quiet little birds, without the particularly distinctive call of a
chickadee or a
nuthatch, and without the bright plumage of a
cardinal or a
blue jay. I'm always reminded that winter is coming when I start seeing them foraging around our yard in the fall.
As seed-eaters, they are naturally interested in pine cones, and with a light dusting of snow, they make the most adorable little footprints. Here is a story of a junco - or maybe more than one - and a snack.
the beginning
the middle
the end
an overview
oh wow, all that traffic! The round meadow is looking pretty :)
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