Red Breasted Nuthatch

After the long winter which at times seems to be dragging on, I am looking forward to the return of the finches, warblers and a myriad of other birds. Fortunately we have a few hardy species that over-winter sustained in many instances by the kind folk who keep the feeders full. One of our winter warriors is the Red-Breasted Nuthatch - a standout from other species because of its unique habit of moving headfirst down tree trunks. This tiny bird never stays still and darts like a rocket streaking towards a food source from the cover of a neighboring spruce tree.

It breeds from Alaska to Newfoundland south to the northern states and locally in the southern Appalachian mountains.It winters from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.