Wings over Michigan
Bird of the Month
 
 
  The bird of the Month for February is the Slate Colored Dark-eyed Junco.
 
     Sometimes called "Snowbirds" for they seem to just magically appear outside when there is snow and dissappear just as quickly when it's gone. These little beauties have been in my yard and at my feeders ever since snowfall began this winter. They are slate-grey on their heads and back,  belly is white. Their bill is pale pink with a black tip. Legs are pinkish brown with a bit darker feet. It is sparrow shaped and is characterized by it's white outer tail feathers that flash conspicuously as it flies away. Males have blackish hoods while the females and juveniles are a duller shade of grey. The juvenile in summer is finely streaked on the breast.

     These winter birds actually begin arriving as early as late September and may stick around until the first days of May. They are common around backyard feeders. If you provide them with a small brush pile placed near your feeders this will provide cover and security for them and  other ground-feeders. (Old Christmas trees make great instant brush piles. I have two of my neighbor's cast-offs in my backyard!) Scatter some millet or sunflower seeds nearby and chances are good that your yard will be a winter retreat for the snowbird.

     They are also often found hopping about to search for exposed seeds and insects at forest edges and clearings. In winter they congregate in small mixed flocks of 10-30 birds. They are fairly tame as well.  I had several come within a foot or two of the doorwall on my deck while searching for blown seeds. However, when disturbed they will flee to a tree or other cover and flash their white tail feathers in alarm. They are abundant here in the East, rare in the West.

     Enjoy them while they're here. Spring will soon be upon us and they will again do their magic vanishing act. Poof!

 
  

 

 
 
 
 
 
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