Nature Done Wright

As everyone knows, today is Junco Day.

According to legend, if a certain Dark-eyed Junco in Northern New Jersey sees his shadow on Feb. 1, it means …

Six more weeks of juncos.

Today, as onlookers waited breathlessly, the celebrity bird known as Allendale Earl flew into a feeder near the local nature preserve amid a falling snow.

Few were optimistic that Allendale Earl would see his shadow.

Indeed, when Earl landed on a seed feeder, he cast nary a hint of shade. But then…

Earl landed on the snow and, by golly, he just barely saw his shadow. He then gave everyone a big wink and flew off.

Junco fans, rest easy! 

That's right. Another storybook ending.

Six more weeks of juncos await.