Invasion of the Western Birds
By Patrick Comins on November 24, 2012, 2:13pm Last modified: November 26, 2012, 11:35am
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There's another invasion underway, or at least an incursion. There have been several western birds showing up in the Northeast in recent weeks, including some unusual birds for Connecticut. Above is a western Dark-eyed Junco of one of the subspecies called "Oregon" Juncos. This individual has been frequenting East Shore Park in New Haven. They are (for now) considered part of the same species as our regular "Slate-colored" Juncos. Dark-eyed Juncos are a diverse group, including several distinct subspecies, "Slate-colored", "Oregon", "Pink-sided", "Gray-headed" and "White-winged" Juncos. Junco identification can be complex, but birders are confident that this bird is not one of our regular eastern birds. Note the tan sides and brown back contrasting with the plain gray hood.
