Townsend’s Solitaires are lucky birds. I say this in light of the astoundingly rich production of juniper berries this year. Some of the Western juniper on my property are so loaded with chalky-colored berries they look as though covered with frost.
Townsend’s
Solitaires are among the few songbirds to live year-round in Montana, thriving
in the harshest cold climates. Named after the renowned naturalist John Kirk Townsend, these robust birds stake out
territories filled with juniper berries, fiercely guarding their chosen domains
with a palpable sense of ownership. While
other species may struggle to find sustenance in the snow-covered landscapes, Townsend's
solitaires flourish on the abundant juniper berries and sustain themselves
throughout the chilly season. Their tenacity in guarding prized territories and
resourcefulness in dining on juniper berries make Townsend's solitaires an
interesting study.
As
it so happens, I have a Townsend’s Solitaire that has staked out territory near
my lakefront. The bird scolded me as I
walked near his junipers just yesterday.
In addition to posting a picture of a solitaire, I am sharing an image
of one of the berry-loaded junipers within the birds claim.
—Mitchell
Hegman
Solitaire
Image: allaboutbirds.org
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