Although I haven’t had a lot of luck birding in Utah this winter, there is a pretty consistent supply of backyard birds that enjoy my feeders. I have great hopes for the backyard. I want to start gardening so I can grow my own vegetables, but I’m also planning the garden based on how I can attract more birds. We have a trellis covered in dead vines that the birds enjoy using as a perch. Once it’s filled with plants, they should be even more excited.
I’m happy to report that Utah has Dark-Eyed Juncos.
Juncos will forgo the feeders if there is any seed on the ground because they naturally eat in the grasslands.
Although they will use feeders if the ground is lacking food.
They blend quite well in their winter surroundings.
This is one of my favorite pictures because it looks like the threat of House Sparrows triggered the robot inside the junco.
must defend the feeder
Lastly, I’ve thrown in a lovely picture of a Dark-Eyed Junco from California. I’m pleased with the dappled background.
You’re feeder is quite busy with lots of beautiful birds! This is embarassing, but for the longest time I thought the local Black Phoebes were Juncos. Eeek!
It took me the longest time to recognize Dark-Eyed Juncos. For awhile I thought they were some crazy rare bird and then someone pointed out that the bird I identified only lives in South America.