I'm not so sure that Pink-sided Junco should be ruled out.  To me the basic features are present: dark lores contrasting with the rest of the head; convex gray bib; pinkish flanks that extend well down the sides.  There clearly exists a confusing gradation of Juncos with intermediate plumages, but when all the requisite details are evident, why look for trouble?  Someone please tell me why that's not the mearnsi subspecies, i.e., Pink-sided Junco.

Paul O'Brien
Rockville, Mont. Co., MD

On Jan 31, 2010, at 1:28:49 AM, "Sean McCandless" <> wrote:

From:   "Sean McCandless" <>
Subject:    [MDOSPREY] Interesting Junco photo's
Date:   January 31, 2010 1:28:49 AM EST
To: 
Hi all, I have a very interesting and colorful Junco in my feeder today. Does anyone want to comment?

http://www.smbirdphotos.com/index.cgi?do=view_photos&subcatID=186

Sean McCandless
Cecil Bird Club Field Trip Coordinator
Elkton, MD