For 34 years Birds Canada has organized a “FeederWatch” community which has recorded the birds at feeders from November through April throughout Canada.

#2 on last winter’s Ontario list is the Dark-eyed Junco:

The Dark-eyed Junco is common on winter lists in all regions of Canada.

it is #7 on the Atlantic Canada list, #4 on the Quebec list, #7 on the Prairies list and #1 on the British Columbia list.

Other birds:

Crothers Woods in the Don River valley is 52 hectares (128 acres) in size and consists of woodland, meadows and wetlands.

Some botany:

The song “Snowbird” which refers to the Dark-eyed Junco as a “snowbird” was a big hit for singer Anne Murray in 1970.

Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean
The unborn grass lies waiting
For its coat to turn to green
The snowbird sings the song he always sings
And speaks to me of flowers
That will bloom again in spring

Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know that I would
Fly away with you

So, little snowbird
Take me with you when you go
To that land of gentle breezes
Where the peaceful waters flow. Song writer:  Gene Mac Lellan (1938 – 1995)

Miles Hearn