I spotted this tiny White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) for the first time many years ago, probably about 5 years ago at Roger’s Reservoir. The photo wasn’t the best, as I was shooting across the river, but it made it onto my birding list.
While wandering at Sheppard’s Bush a couple of days ago, I spotted a couple of nuthatches at the entrance, flying from tree to tree and diving for a few seeds. The success of capturing a photo of the nuthatch was thanks to someone who spread seeds at both information booths at the entrance to Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.
There were also chickadees and mourning doves, but I already have a complete photo collection of them. The chickadees were flying unusually fast, and by the time I adjusted my camera, I ended up taking pictures of seeds instead. That was probably the squirrel effect at work.
What was interesting about the nuthatch species was that they were actually climbing, or “bird walking,” on the side of the tree trunks, much like woodpeckers.
I’m glad I was able to get a very good close-up photo this time. Small birds are just so adorable!
Where there are seeds, there will be squirrels. I know from experience, having my own bird feeder in the back. The squirrels tend to keep the birds away most of the time. If you look closely at the photo, you can see just how furry the squirrels are during the winter. They definitely need that thick fur to stay warm on cold winter days—and I could use some of that warmth too!
