By Paul Oliver, Founder, Urban Nature Store

Every winter has its moment, and in my backyard, that moment is officially announced by the arrival of the juncos. One day the yard is quiet, and the next it looks like someone spilled a pepper shaker under the feeders. That’s when I know: our northern visitors have checked in for the season.

Dark-eyed juncos typically arrive in southern Ontario in October and stay right through winter, often into March or early April. They head south from boreal forests and northern regions, apparently deciding that our snow, wind, and general winter attitude are “just fine, actually.” We should all have that level of optimism.

Juncos are often called ground feeders, and they take that job seriously. While other birds compete for prime real estate at hanging feeders, juncos gather politely (and sometimes not so politely) below, hopping, scratching, and having what appears to be an ongoing group discussion about seed quality.

If you want to attract and feed juncos, the trick is to think low:

• Platform feeders and tray feeders are their favourites
• A seed tray added under a hanging feeder works wonders
• Even a clear patch of ground with seed will get their attention quickly

As for food, juncos are refreshingly unfussy. They love:

• White proso millet
• Sunflower hearts
• Cracked or whole black oil sunflower seed

At UrbanNatureStore.ca, we carry platform feeders, feeder trays, and seed blends that are perfect for winter birds like juncos — because not everyone wants to hang upside down to eat. Sometimes dignity matters.

What I enjoy most about juncos is how calm they are. They don’t rush. They don’t show off. They quietly get on with winter, fluffing their feathers, feeding together, and reminding us that survival doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective.

So if a big flock has suddenly appeared in your yard, congratulations — it’s junco time. Pull up a chair, top up the feeder, and enjoy the show. Our northern visitors have chosen your backyard as their winter retreat, and that’s worth pausing to appreciate.

After all, winter is a little easier when shared with good company — even if that company has tiny pink feet and strong opinions about millet.