An Early Arrival, And Oh My!

[MrSeedy]

I don't have a picture , but I was somewhat surprised and somewhat "put off" to look out my window and see such an early arrival of a Slate Colored Junco. Usually one thinks of "early arrivals" as being the birds that come back from their southern homes in the late winter or early spring here, but since Juncos seem to only live here for their wintering grounds, they're gone after early to midspring here and don't return in numbers usually til late October, or November if my memory serves me right. I'd say they're such a welcome visitor all through the winter , when many of our summer birds have long since gone to their winter homes down south, and I've enjoyed many an hour watching their especially "funny" feeding habits where they'll sometimes make almost a little jump in the air and then scratch for seed when their feet hit the ground. I also love the way their two white tail feathers almost make a flash of white as they take off into flight. Now my only concern , since I do love them, is that the arrival may signal a much earlier return of fall and especially winter! Oh well they are welcome here!!

[boo]

Already?!? :mellow: I have to admit that I am ready for winter only because this summer has been so terrible. I want to put it behind, but I am surprised that you have a junco already. Guess I should be on the look out. They are such cute birds but not very smart.

:ph34r: I'll probably see a dead one (neighbor cat) before I see a live one.

[MrSeedy]

I'd agree with that boo, as far as cats are concerned , the juncos seem to be an easy target for my brother's cat, but she seems good at catching mourning doves as well, and even of all things Cardinals. I find her such a sweet cat lately, since she's wanting more and more attention, and she follows me all over the yard while I'm out there, but with the cooler weather she caught both a mourning dove and a female cardinal the same day. I can't say I love her, when she does that, but short of keeping her locked indoors my brother just says , it's just instinct!! I guess the advantage to having lots of hot weather here is for the birds , since the cat was sleeping nearly all day, and not doing her usual hunting. Now I'm afraid she'll be back to her same ol' murderous ways!!