Give juncos a treat

Dark-eyed Junco

Who doesn't love juncos? These are the sparrow-like birds that hop along the surface of the ground looking for seed.

They are often called "snow birds" because their dark gray back reminds one of a cloudy winter day and their belly has the color of white snow.

Juncos usually don't come to feeders that hang above the ground. Right now is a great time to attract juncos to your backyard. The snow has become frozen in place and serves as a stable surface for birds to alight and forage.

Merely scatter some white millet seed or cracked corn on the ground. Before long you might see juncos pecking along the top of the snow.

If you have a large tree, scatter the food beneath the south side of the tree. Birds will flock to an area where they feed and be protected from the wind.

Can I reach these seeds?

It's best to cast the seed onto the ground in the early morning. Birds are hungriest because they've had to use of much of their energy supply keeping warm during the frigid nights. They would appreciate additional seed later on in the day as well.

One caution, though. Placing seed onto the ground as dusk descends might attract unwanted nighttime visitors such as rodents. And don't overdo it. During the day put out only as much seed as the birds will eagerly consume. 

Besides juncos you might attract some sparrows, including White-throated sparrows. After all juncos and sparrows originate from the same genetic family and they usually feel comfortable foraging with one another. 

There is nothing nicer than seeing a group of juncos busily hopping above your snow. The contrast between the gray and the white is eye-catching. And now is the time to feed them. Juncos migrate north to Canada for breeding, and probably they'll be gone for the season by late April.