Subject: Junco Irruption???
Date: Apr 4 15:04:43 1999
From: Spitler - spitler at wkpowerlink.com


Hi All
I am hoping that I can get some information about why we have so many
Dark-eyed Juncos in the West Kootenays this spring. I realize that DEJU are
abundant on the coast, but here we might see at most a dozen at one time.
This spring we are seeing literally 100's at a time. They are found
everywhere from the snow line down. Mostly these are male, Oregon race. It
appears that there are less 20% female Oregons and a small number (5%)
Slate-colored.
Is this happening in other places in the interior of the PNW?
Is this a function of snow levels?
Is this a consequence of a mild winter?
Are such irruptions of DEJU common?

Thanks for the help
Gail Spitler
Johnsons Landing, BC
spitler at wkpowerlink.com