Finally

by Richard
(Scarborough, Ontario)

I now know what this little bird is. There were only a few of them for a couple of days hiding in the cedars. Very hard to get a picture of them. I used my Canon 300D with telephoto 300mm from my sunroom door. They would leave as soon as I stepped outside. Haven't seen them since I took the pictures back in April. But at least I can say that I saw a Dark-eyed Junco. Or so I hope. Here's a picture.

Comment

Juncos are sometimes called Slate-colored Snow-birds. Juncos, are extremely social birds - except when nesting. They are quiet, unassuming visitors, modest in manner and in dress. Notice how abruptly the slate gray color of the junco's mantle ends in a straight line across his white breast, and how, when he flies away, the white feathers on either side of his tail serve as signals to his friends to follow. Likely they have continued on their journey north. Hopefully they will return to your yard for the winter, Richard. Nice photo.
Happy Birding,
Susan