On a routine bird run along the lakefront in Milwaukee this morning the highlight was the Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon Junco) at Grant Park in Milwaukee County. It was mixed in with about a dozen Common Dark-eyed Juncos. The Oregon is a subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco who’s normal range is from central Iowa to the west coast. It was cool to see this bird as I have never seen one before. Not considered a countable bird as it is a subspecies. Images were taken on December 15, 2016.
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon
Binomial name: Junco hyemalis
Category: Emberizids
Size: 6.25” long, 9.25” wing span
Weight: .67 oz
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon, on a rock
Awesome pics, as usual, and thanks again for sharing your finds…..each and every one.
Interesting Jim and great photos as always. We get so many Juncos here in our Madison yard—I’ll keep an eye out for this one. Thank you for all that you do to educate us!
When I was birding Madison I would occasionally encounter Oregon juncos but many years were a complete bust. When they did show up it was usually a small flock.
Jim,
As I prepare to leave for FL at the end of the year, I want to say thank for your excellent contribution to educating all of us on the birds of WI, and the extraordinary rarities that show up here. So very well done again this year.
Beautiful bird-incredible photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Jim:
Nice pictures. I had and Oregon Junco at my mothers feeders near Oxford Wisconsin last week, always a nice find.
Beautiful color contrast in the feathers – reminds me of the Rufous-sided Towhee. I wonder if that bill tip touched with gray is typical of juncos. Last image seems to suggest the little bird is thoughtfully regarding life from his rock. Thanks, Jim!