Almost two weeks ago, October 23, I had a brief glimpse of a dark,
sparrow-size bird with white lateral tail feathers flitting away from me
through the browning goldenrod on our farm. My inclination was "junco," and
I would bet I was right. But I haven't seen any others since.

I had a similar experience a few years back, and even earlier in October.
That time I got a clear look, and I recall it was actually October single
digits, maybe the eighth or ninth. I will look it up when I find the time.

Juncos almost never come to the ground below our feeders until the ground
freezes solid and hard. I think there probably is so much native food in
these parts that they don't have to.

I'm waiting to see them in numbers in the scrubby field or the forest edge.
Soon...

Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County

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