The Red Breasted Nuthatch

So, much of last week found me out in the backyard, with camera in hand, chasing around this little bird and his mate. It was pretty darn cold everyday, which should be, being the end of February and me, being a dum-dum... out there in a sweater and no jacket. Why? I don't know really; I guess I get caught up in the moment? It may explain why I am fighting a cold this week.

Part of my mission this winter, since getting this camera, is to get pictures of all the species of birds that frequent the yard through the seasons. These Red Breasted Nuthatches are only around till April or so and then they return to the north woods till sometime after summer is over.

In past years, since I first noticed them about 3 years ago, they have been easy to get photos of... for whatever reason, they have been rather elusive this year. I wonder if may be due to all the Hawk kills this winter? I highly doubt a Hawk would go after one of these birds, they are much too small, and not hardly a meal to a Hawk. Whatever the reason, after 5 days of trying, I finally started getting photos of them one afternoon. This was the best shot out of 6 I got... still working on exposure, lighting, etc.

They are a neat little bird to watch. They run up and down tree trunks with ease, much like the larger White Breasted Nuthatch. Their sound is rather distinct with an "ANK ANK" kinda noise.

A couple weeks ago, I was out at the park, with a friend and our cameras. I ended up talking to this woman, who was quite a bird expert, and she told me I was very fortunate to have these RBNHs coming to my feeders... seems they are a rarity in these parts. "Sweet" I say to myself, got some bragging to do, but to who? Most of my friends wouldn't know the difference between one of these birds from something else I could name off... must educate the masses!