[EBB Sightings] Junco Parenthood in Walnut Creek

Since August 26, we have been seeing and hearing the fledgling Dark-eyed 
Junco in our patio just north of Heather Farm Park.  This morning, Saturday 
September 5, there were two fledglings being fed by an adult Junco.  Most 
interesting though, is that this adult appears to be different than either 
of the adults which were feeding the single fledgling.

Before the first fledgling arrived we had seen what appeared to be a normal 
Junco adult(s) and one which showed lots of white in the tail.  Using 
binoculars, I finally determined that the large amount of white was because 
most of the central tail feathers were missing, possibly due to molting.

The adult with the white tail has never been seen feeding the single 
fledgling, but the adult which was feeding the two fledglings this morning 
was the one with the white tail, raising the question of whether we are 
seeing fledglings from two separate families.

Either way, it is exciting for us to watch.

Hugh B. Harvey
Walnut Creek