Along with a cool front, the juncos have returned to Arkansas, including this subtle but lovely female Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco I photographed yesterday.
Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco female in Arkansas – Canon R7, f8, 1/300, ISO 2000, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
When I lived in Virginia, Dark-eyed Juncos usually showed up a few days before the first winter snow. Mom and I called them snowbirds, as many people do, and she loved seeing the juncos.
The Slate-colored Dark-eyed Juncos are a subspecies I only saw once in Utah, down near Fish Lake. Out there, I saw the Oregon subspecies most often, with the Pink-sided and Gray-headed subspecies on occasion. I even photographed the Oregon subspecies from my living room window during snowstorms.
In Utah, some of the juncos bred high in the mountains. Here in Arkansas and Oklahoma, they arrive and brighten the days in between their breeding seasons.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing these small, pink-billed members of the sparrow family, and now they’ve arrived. For a few days, the juncos seemed a bit on the skittish side. Now, they appear to be warming up to being around the other birds and are a touch less skittish.
During winter, the Slate-colored Dark-eyed Juncos form flocks that can range from six to over thirty individuals, often staying within a 10-acre area. These flocks exhibit a dominance hierarchy, with adult males at the top.
I enjoy observing the juncos’ playful antics as they forage on the ground, scratching through leaves and seeds. Their social behavior, especially in winter flocks, offers great opportunities to observe and photograph candid moments that reflect their lively personalities.
On top of their subtle beauty, I love listening to the soft songs and calls of juncos. It’s such a treat to see, hear, and photograph Slate-colored Dark-eyed Juncos again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Dark-eyed Junco photos plus facts and information about this species.
I really like the grey hues of the bird against the pops of color in the bokeh.
They have been here in NE Wisconsin for at least a month…love these little winter birds! Terrific photo…
More beauty. Thank you.