Description

Always look up! A good rule for birding and other things. Spotted this Red-breasted Nuthatch (my first) darting among the cones on this pine tree. Seeds? No, actually resin. All-About-Birds tells us “The Red-breasted Nuthatch collects resin globules from coniferous trees and plasters them around the entrance of its nest hole. It may carry the resin in its bill or on pieces of bark that it uses as an applicator. The male puts the resin primarily around the outside of the hole while the female puts it around the inside.” While I didn’t see the actual nest hole, this male was clearly hard at work.

Category

Week 12: Nuthatches Only

Species

• Red-breasted Nuthatch