As winter inches ever closer, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our usual winter friends. And two of them showed themselves for the first time today. Just after lunch I spotted this Slate Colored Junco, a species that summers in the Appalachians. I usually start seeing them here in November. It's marvelous to see these "Snowbirds" again. I will need to ensure there are adequate supplies of "ground stuff" for them! But late afternoon the show continued when a White Throated Sparrow materialized on the deck. I don't recall ever seeing one so early. They are both delights during the cold months...welcome back, dear friends!Saturday, November 5, 2011
First of the Season
As winter inches ever closer, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our usual winter friends. And two of them showed themselves for the first time today. Just after lunch I spotted this Slate Colored Junco, a species that summers in the Appalachians. I usually start seeing them here in November. It's marvelous to see these "Snowbirds" again. I will need to ensure there are adequate supplies of "ground stuff" for them! But late afternoon the show continued when a White Throated Sparrow materialized on the deck. I don't recall ever seeing one so early. They are both delights during the cold months...welcome back, dear friends!
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3 comments:
Got them here in Toms River area too. Fun little fellas! Love the blog, by the way.
A few of our Juncos hung around all summer but they really came back last month and this week I've had 10+ come in at once with the colder temps. I enjoy watching them scritch scratch backwards on the ground as they eat.
Andrew, thanks! I remember Juncos being all-year birds in my young days in New England. Are yours winter-only? I would think the dividing line is somewhere in Jersey...
Deb. Agreed! they are hilarious. About as good a scratcher as those Towhees.
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