Do you know the line from “ Winter Wonderland” that says, “Gone away is the Bluebird. Here to stay is a new bird?” Well, while Bluebirds often over-winter here now, and the new bird, a Snow Bunting, doesn't stay, it is the bird I think of when I hear this song! Why? Like many of you, I imagine, Snow Buntings were completely unknown to me when I joined Audubon, but it was love at first sight when I was lucky enough to have the experience. Their snowy white under parts and the black and caramel-like coloring on their wings and head were mesmerizing! (For anyone who loves our summer Indigo Bunting, this is its winter relative.)
Enchanting, too, was learning that they are visitors from the tundra, to which they return to breed after their visit to our sunny clime! In fact, they are birds that breed farther north than any other. Here, you will find them more often in Addison County, but if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a flock along the road at Bomoseen or Kent Pond, places that have geography resembling their home habitat. You can also find them on our seacoast, if you’re a winter adventurer.
Snow Bunting in winter plumage.
They’re ground feeders and won’t come to your feeders, but you might attract some with cracked corn on the ground, if you have an expanse of land and rocky soil. Normally they feed on seeds of wheat and grain and occasionally, insects.
Unfortunately, as is true of many other birds, Snow Buntings are in decline. They can live for about nine years and are predated by such other birds as Snowy Owls.
My New Year’s wish is that you have the opportunity to view one or more. You won’t be disappointed in your winter wonderland experience!
Kathleen Guinness (RCAS, Special Projects Director)