Monday, November 27, 2023

Return of the Juncos


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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