Backyard Birds Revealed
Backyard Birds Revealed is a five-part video series from our partners at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It captures the hidden details of backyard birds through inventive, award-winning cinematography from wildlife filmmakers Tim and Russell Laman.
In the first video, the filmmakers use a 1,000-frames-per-second camera to slow down the action as chickadees and titmice visit feeders. They uncover a hidden ballet of movement as these tiny birds land that takes you up close into the secret lives of the birds right outside your window. Award-winning wildlife filmmakers Tim and Russell Laman use creative slow-motion and wide-angle filming to capture moments we usually miss! Tiny bird expressions, aerial maneuvers, and fascinating behaviors that happen in the blink of an eye.
Watch the Whole Series here.
Juncos and Snow Just Seem to Go Together
Is it just fate or an ancient rhythm of life that often brings the first snowfall and the first Junco sighting at the same time each year? Whatever the explanation, Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “Snowbirds,” and many people believe their return from their northern breeding grounds does indeed foretell the return of winter’s cold and snowy weather. Even its white belly plumage and slate-colored back reminds one of a winter scene with its “leaden sky above, and snow below.”
During the winter, Juncos are sighted at more feeding areas across North America than any other bird. Over 80 percent of the participants in Project Feeder Watch reported seeing Juncos at their feeders. A 1995 research study estimated the North American population of Dark-eyed Juncos at approximately 630 million. Juncos spend the entire winter in flocks averaging in size from six to thirty or more birds. They prefer to roost in evergreens at night, but will also use tall grasses and brush piles. They return to the same roost location repeatedly, sharing it with other flock mates, but they do not huddle together.
Like many other members of the Sparrow family, they are primarily ground feeders and are drawn to the millet and mixed seeds around the base of your feeders or ground-tray feeders. Now is a great time to attract juncos. Visit the store soon and provide the expert advice and products needed to help attract these cold-weather visitors.
We Are a ZEISS dealer!
ZEISS binoculars are known for their exceptional clarity, brightness, and color fidelity, giving you crisp, true-to-life views of every feather detail. Built for the field, they’re rugged and perfect for everything from backyard birding to big adventure days. Whether you’re spotting birds in your yard or heading out for a field adventure, ZEISS delivers an experience like no other. Come see why bird lovers worldwide trust ZEISS for their birding missions.
