The Dark-eyed Juncos are back at my feeder. I was starting to doubt they would visit this year, but their arrival marks the changing season.
Dark-eyed Juncos, often called “snowbirds” because of their arrival with the first signs of winter, migrate to Arkansas in the fall. They come from their northern breeding grounds, where they spend the warmer months. Their arrival usually aligns with the first cold fronts, a signal that winter is on its way.
This year, I expected them in mid to late October. October came and went without a sign of them at my feeder, though I did see some in the yard. They seemed more comfortable foraging in the open areas where seeds had fallen naturally, rather than visiting the feeder, likely due to their preference for ground feeding and a more scattered food source. I watched the temperatures drop and other migratory birds show up, but the Juncos stayed away. The White-throated Sparrows were already hopping around under the feeders, and the Yellow-rumped Warblers were flitting through the trees. Still, no Juncos.
Then, at the end of October, I saw the first one. Two or three hopping across the ground, foraging for seeds. They didn’t start coming into the feeder regularly until last week. They blend well with the leaf litter, their gray plumage making them look like shadows against the ground. You notice them by their white outer tail feathers that flash when they fly away.
Juncos prefer to feed on the ground. I often find them under my feeders, sifting through what other birds have scattered. They pick out millet and sunflower chips, which they seem to favor. They’re active and cautious, rarely staying in one spot for long. If they hear a noise, they dart off quickly.
This return is part of what makes Arkansas winters feel complete to me. Their presence reminds me that, despite the colder weather, the yard stays alive with activity. Watching them forage is one of those small, steady markers of the season. They’re not flashy birds—no bright colors or loud calls. But they’re reliable, and seeing them always makes me feel connected to the cycle of migration.
If you’re hoping to attract Dark-eyed Juncos to your yard, scatter seeds on the ground, especially near shrubs or under large trees where they feel safer while foraging. They’re ground feeders and prefer open spaces rather than crowded bird feeders. I’ve found they particularly enjoy millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds. I also keep some areas under the shrubs clear for them. They like having cover nearby to dart into if they sense danger.
For now, I’ll be watching them, camera ready, trying to get that shot that captures their subtle charm. The Juncos are here, and it finally feels like winter in Arkansas.
Image Information:
- Date: 11/13/24
- Time: 2:23:08 PM
- Camera Model: Canon R5 Mark 2
- Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
- Lens (mm): 800
- ISO: 10000
- Aperture: 9
- Shutter: 1/1000
- Exposure Compensation: +0.7
- Program: Manual