I try to start each week off right with a reader's question, and this week Alicia from Nevada asks...

"A lot of my birding friends are excited about seeing juncos this winter. I don't really go out birding because my age and health don't permit it, but I do have feeders in my garden. What can I do to bring these birds to me instead?"

Dark-eyed juncos are a popular winter bird in backyards, so much so that their nickname is "snowbirds" because they often arrive with the snow. Fortunately, it's easy to attract juncos to your backyard or right to your feeders - actually, underneath your feeders. Let some seed spill and these ground-feeding sparrows will be happy to help clean up all winter long!

What is your most puzzling birding question? Submit it to Mailbag Monday to be featured in an upcoming week!

Dark-Eyed Junco
Photo © Minette Layne