Dark-eyed Juncos breed in every town in Chenango County (1). They build their nests on the ground and sometimes on woodland roads that support vegetation. Sometimes we almost step on these nests when we are hiking. The nests are very hard to see and their presence is revealed only when the mother darts out, surprising us.
The photo below shows a nest along a trail on private property in southwest Preston. It was snapped on Monday 28 May 2012. Four bluish eggs with brown splotches are visible. For more information, consult Harrison (2).
References cited:
1. Smith, Charles R. Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis. In: McGowan, Kevin J. ; Corwin, Kimberley, Editors. The Second Atlas ofBreeding Birds in New York State. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. 2008. pages 572-573.
2. Harrison, Hal H. et al. Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco. In: A Field Guide to the Birds' Nests ... Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. 1975. Page 243.
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