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, also known as “snowbirds” because they arrive with the first cold weather, migrate to Arkansas in the fall. They come from their northern breeding grounds where they spend the warm months. They usually arrive with the first cold fronts, which means winter is on its way.
I expected them in mid to late October. October came and went and I didn’t see them at my feeder but 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. They prefer ground feeding and a more scattered food source. I watched the temps drop and other migratory birds show up but the Juncos stayed away. The White-throated Sparrows were already hopping 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 in 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 like millet and sunflower chips. They’re active and cautious, never staying in one spot for long. If they hear a noise they dart off quickly.
This is part of what makes winters in Arkansas feel complete to me. Their presence reminds me that despite the cold weather the yard is still alive. 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 migration cycle.
If you want 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 like millet, cracked corn and sunflower seeds. I also keep some areas under the shrubs clear for them. They like to have cover nearby to dart into if they sense danger.
I’ll just keep watching and photographing. They’re here and winter is here.
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