Birding in BC Community

There seem to be a lot more Cassiars around this year...Abbotsford. Possibly double digit birds in my yard right now along with a hundred or more Oregon Juncos!

Cassiar Junco 14s by BirderBert, on Flickr

Cassiar Junco 17s by BirderBert, on Flickr

Cassiar Junco 16s by BirderBert, on Flickr

what a treat! nice shots! are you feeding them all? how big is your back yard?
my Peterson Field Guide doesn't even mention Cassiar Junco, but this debate by some really knowledgeable NW birders is very interesting and informative.
http://nwbackyardbirder.blogspot.ca/201 ... junco.html

I have a small house on a 1 acre lot with lots of trees and seclusion [which is the way I like it!]. I spend more money feeding the birds than I do myself! LOL

ps The Cassiar Junco is a sub-species of the Dark-eyed Junco as are the Oregon, Slate-coloured etc

It looks like you get some great birds Bert, great detailed shots as always!

Great shots Bert, these look more intermediate between the two forms, although there are occasions where female Oregon Juncos may look a bit more slaty than usual, though this might reflect varying amounts of intergradation. A few days ago I saw what looked to be a slate-coloured at the backyard next door, although it still had a very faint amount of brown.

Cassiar is often considered to be an intregrade between Oregon and Slate-coloured rather than a true subspecies, although it does have a latin name ((Junco hyemalis cismontanus).

Wonderfully detailed shots Bert!

Very nice shots Bert. Cheers.