The Juncos have returned
to southwest Michigan
after breeding and nesting
in northern Ontario.
In October and November
I watch them feed
on the minute seeds
of my garden weeds.
Their dark eyes shine
from the slate-colored head
as they pick at the stems
with a pale pink beak.
In winter they scrape and claw
frozen ground under the feeders
with a scritch-scratch,
forward and back.
From the gray tail,
narrow white feathers
flare and flash as they
hop and bop around the shrubs.
Then, some decide to leave,
and a dozen or more
hurry away to catch up.
This small flock of chittering chips.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan
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