The Slate-colored Snowbird without the Snow

William B. Umstead State Park. 02/28/26. Company Mill Trail.

Other than a few squirrels, birds chirping unseen above, and a bunch of extremely shameless frogs loudly trying to get it on in the middle of the day, there wasn't a lot of wildlife to be seen. That was until this beauty showed up, at the 5 mile mark of a six mile hike, darting around among the leaves and twigs.

I learned this morning that this is a Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco, which is a common variation found in the eastern United States during winter months. I was just a few feet away from it before I noticed its movement. It hides extremely well.

What else is present but unnoticed?