The Dark-eyed Junco was an American sparrow I'd been wanting to see for a long time. The only one that had been "twitchable" (easily reachable for birdwatchers) in my time was in Devon in 2019, and unfortunately, I was away at a family funeral.
When I saw one was reported as found in Dorset on Saturday, I figured it could be difficult without permission from the homeowner. Then, by the time I got home from Edgbaston, new information emerged: access would be available from 1 pm the next day.
A plan was duly hatched with Squire. We would set out the following morning at around 9:30, hoping to be near the front of the line when access was granted.
To our surprise, the kind homeowner opened his garden just five minutes before we arrived, giving me and Squire a fantastic spot on the second row. This small suburban garden would have a limited capacity, so our good spot was essential. The day got even better when, within five minutes, the bird flew in and fed on some suet in the garden for about 15 seconds, only to fly off again and not return for about forty minutes.
Thankfully, the returning visit was much improved, allowing some fantastic views of the bird on the ground and also perched on the garden conifer.
We left the property very thankful for the access the homeowner granted, and it was a pleasure to contribute to the cause he was collecting for. The Squire now only needs 9 to reach his goal of 400, fingers crossed the good year continues.
