Backyard Birds -
Is There a Snowbird?
By Guest Writer, Shawn Keith Art by Ms. Addison Potts, 6th grade
with six variations of this bird depending on its region. To avoid the cold winter months some folks head The one in our backyard is the slate-colored variety. The south for the winter. We often refer to these folks as slate-colored Junco is evenly marked with a nonsnowbirds. While some birds may also head for a streaked slate-gray head, back, and warmer climate, there is one with the breast with a white belly. nickname of “Snowbird”. This is the Feeding only from the ground, “Dark-eyed Junco’’. The name their favorite seed, millet, is often “Dark-eyed Junco” may not be found on the ground below bird commonly known, but it can be feeders. The seeds get kicked out by easily seen near your backyard seed other birds but the Snowbird’s conical feeder. bill with slightly pink sides is great for The Dark-eyed Junco spends its cracking the millet seeds. breeding season across Canada to Living long for small birds in the Alaska. During the non-breeding wild, the oldest one on record was season, this gray and white little puff caught during a banding operation and ball comes down into our backyards The Dark-eyed Junco had been previously tagged 11 years for the winter. Personally, I wouldn’t and four months prior. Raising one to three broods per consider our neck of the woods all that warm in the nesting season, with three to six eggs laid each year winter, but obviously it’s a dang sight warmer than keeps the Dark-eyed Junco in excellent conservation spending winter in Canada. So, is our winter warm status. Their current conservation status stands at least enough for them? Juncos will grow a down coat for the concern. Being widespread across most of the continent, winter, giving them the additional warmth they need. their last estimate was at 220 million. This extra down makes them 30% heavier in the winter With their population in good standing, you will most months due to the way they puff up with that extra layer likely see them hanging about the areas under your seed of down. The Dark-eyed Junco is in the sparrow family feeders. On a snowy day, their silhouettes will pop against the snow-covered ground like lumps of puffy charcoal briquettes. Once spring arrives, they will be returning to their breeding ground, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the snowbird.
Annual Cookie Day Returns Photo: Jancey Smith
TO YOU & YOURS FROM ALL OF US AT
For many years now, the auxiliary at Deaconess Gibson Hospital has hosted “Cookie Day.” Volunteers bring in a wide variety of cookies and snacks for the hospital staff. It’s one of the most popular days of the year and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Dr. Brink Jr. is reported to be a strong supporter of the event.
1198 S Kiesel Dr., Princeton, IN | 812-386-6580 | kieselent.com
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January 2024
Auxiliary members Ronica Fischer, Betty Kramer, and Joyce Nonte helped serve cookies.
Small Town Living
