Winter meets spring in this image, as a handsome dark-eyed junco perches in a cherry
tree dripping in blossoms.
Dark-eyed juncos are common here throughout our colder months, but the species is moving north for the summer nesting season. They are nicknamed “snowbird” because when they return after September, our first snowfall typically isn’t too long after. Juncos are common in our metroparks in the winter.
Juncos are sparrows that eat seeds, nest on the ground and live in the forests. They are identified by a rounded head, a short, stout bill and fairly long, bright white tail feathers.
This one was photographed in the Oak Openings.
