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Bryony Angell

Birder Writer Trip Leader
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A BIrd's Guide to Birding

Birdcatecture: A carefully hidden gem along a garden path

April 25, 2017

Juncos are a charming yard bird here in Seattle, ubiquitous near feeders and along the lower canopy of shrubs and small trees. Their nesting habits are maddeningly cryptic, however, as they raise their young near the ground, and as hidden away as possible.

Recently, my mother reported nesting activity along the stone walkway leading to her lower level residence in the house she and my stepdad share with my sister's family. A pair of juncos were building a nest in the foliage along the path, up against the rockery supporting the plant life. 

As discreetly as possible, my mum got a few shots of the nest and recently laid eggs--three of them!  As any of us pass by the spot, we can catch a glimpse of the female bird nestled over her precious eggs, warily wishing we'd hurry off.

The jury is still out as to whether the nest will succeed--at last pass I did not see the female on her eggs, and such desertion is not uncommon if the birds decide the spot just wont do. We all hope it wasn't any of us who might have driven them away. 

 

 The cavity in the center of the photo is where the junco nest is hidden.

The cavity in the center of the photo is where the junco nest is hidden.

 Closer! (Photo by Noel Angell)

Closer! (Photo by Noel Angell)

 Closer, still! Three eggs! (Photo by Noel Angell)

Closer, still! Three eggs! (Photo by Noel Angell)

 Dark-eyed junco (Photo by Mike Hamilton)

Dark-eyed junco (Photo by Mike Hamilton)

Tags Birdcatecture, Backyard birding, Gardening for birds
← In the Field: Spring Birding with Gal PalsAn Inspired Garden: Bringing birds to your backyard →

This and That from the field

 Me and my lil' birds.

Me and my lil' birds.

I'm Bryony; West Coast gal, parent and lover of nature. I freelance write on various topics for magazines and websites. This here blog is where I  bring the appreciation of wild birds and birding to urban gals like me (and maybe you?). it's a bit of culture, outdoor lifestyle and reporting. Enjoy reading!

hello@bryonyangell.com

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