Wow, that is interesting. I've never seen them do that before either. Maybe the snow is covering the seed on the ground too quickly? I have seen mine up on the tray feeders before, but usually they prefer the ground.

Yes, but it's only one Junco that do that. Usually in the winter, they run out of food on the ground and try to adapt. I have seen one or two try for the tube feeder.

Notice the tree sparrows flying around the sock in the picture, they're suppose to scratch and feed on the ground but now hang from the sock. This is a problem because they compete with a flock of gold finches for space, resulting in a mob scene around the sock.

I added a plate of seed on the ground but they still feed from the sock. The Junco immediately went for it, but the tree sparrow still hangs on the sock.

Paul

I have a tube nyjer feeder which is always loaded with goldfinches and chickadees. The juncos eat off the ground below the feeder.

But today, I did see a junco on the tube feeder eating the seed. He stayed there for quite a while. Never seen that before either.

I noticed this year that a few juncos were preferring the suet feeder. The suet hangs in a tree so they're able to find a branch that lets them reach it, but 1-2 Juncos have actually jumped onto the feeder. And, it's not because they don't have enough food on the ground feeders!

Paul, try hanging more feeders so the other small birds have a chance.

I agree with the more feeders idea. Hang an extra sock..

Of course the more feeders you have the more you get to fill ;) I have 18 feeders (maybe more) of various types, a pile of ear corn out further back and I toss a couple handfuls of seed under a couple of favorite bushes. AND I see them feeding on the flower and weeds....

Since some annoying animal trashed the finch sock, I put up two in its place. Hopefully, this will reduce the competition for the feeder.