Winter Omen

Just like Red-Wing Blackbirds signal the beginning of spring, Slate Colored Juncos are my first bird of winter. These migratory birds mean that winter is right around the corner. They have also been called "snow-birds". They normally arrive right before the snow arrives and don't leave until April.  Today I saw my first junco at my feeder. It is a portent of things to come. I'm not happy. I'm not ready for winter.