This is the first winter my bird feeder has been up. I was pleased when my first visitor arrived a few weeks ago, and couldn't wait for him to bring his buddies. Surprisingly, it was a House Finch. Okay, that in and of itself isn't so surprising, as they are very common. What was surprising what that it wasn't a House Sparrow. I actually haven't had one, that I've seen, at my feeder.
I was very pleased yesterday, as I was out shoveling snow, to notice a few other visitors. Juncos. And I also have my resident Mourning Dove hanging around.
But for today's Bird Photography Weekly, I'll share a few of the Juncos, with a House Finch mixed in there as well.
My best guess is a "pink-sided" race. But the book I'm using isn't all too clear on that. I'll have to double check later.
Note: I think these are actually 1st year "Oregon" Juncos.
For a look at other wonderful, feathered friends, click on the link below!
8 comments:
I'd say she's an Oregon Junco too, but I can't guarantee it... it looks like a female because the hood isn't quite dark. I don't have my book with me at work, (I use the National Geographic's new Western Guide) but I remember it saying the females are hard to distinguish. I know, I'm not helping, sorry about that! Plus you have it harder based on your location. You really could get either.
Looking out the window, there is snow on the ground too with Juncos hopping about everywhere. They almost seem happier and more lively when there is snow on the ground. Maybe they are just cold and need to move around faster to keep warm.
Nice to see House Finches as I have only seen them once or twice at my feeders. Nice pictures, good luck with your feeders and attracting birds!
Looks like a female Oregon to me, too. Nice shots, Wendy!
I love Juncos. I only discovered recently that they are actually in the sparrow family. Can you believe that I have no House Finches here at all. Pity, I miss that splash of red.
There is something sweet about Juncos, though I fall into anthropomorphizing rather easily when I see something tiny, eats seeds, and can fly.
I love the photo of the junco with the house finch. I just put my feeders up yesterday. So far I'm loving it!
Very beautiful birds. Nice set of photos. Congrats on attrcting such beautiful birds to your garen feeder. :)))
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