Dark-eyed Junco - Junco ardoisé

The other morning, cold and crisp, a small flock of Juncos was pulling seeds from the wild grasses in the corner of the conservation area. It is that time of the winter when the birds, having exhausted the really easy and nutritious food, are switching to plan B (or C, in this case) and hunting down any wild seed.

 

This bird was taking a digestive moment, and letting the others have a go, and it was relaxed and nicely perched. These are often super tricky to photograph because of a general shyness and the dark/white contrast. I was pretty pleased with this image, especially the out of focus background. I also like catching an individual with the variable colouring - here, the streaks of brown on its head.

 

As the weather warms over the next few weeks, and the days start to lengthen, the Juncos will be retreating north. I am often sad to have them arrive, because it means winter is coming, but I am sad to see them go - their foraging ‘chit-chit-chit’ is a real winter birding soundtrack.

Done