Tag Archives: Red-breasted Nuthatch

Occasional Winter Resident

Little, friendly creature. Doesn’t come to the feeders, but loves the birdbath. An irruptive species that only migrates this way when food supplies dictate. Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis).

During the summer the Red-breasted Nuthatch is found in the northern parts of Canada, where like woodpeckers, a nesting pair will excavate a hole in a favorite tree. Aspen, their tree of choice.

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One Of My Irruptive Migrants

This morning nearly caught me doing cartwheels. Almost. But certainly a moment of great joy. I spotted a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). One of my favorite birds. But because they are irruptive migrants, I don’t see them every winter. Absence, indeed, makes the heart grow fonder.

This morning in the bird bath. Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Irruptive migration is when a species of bird depends more upon its food supply than on other triggers of migration. These birds are more unpredictable but generally only migrate short distances. I love that it is a toss up whether I will see Red-breasted Nuthatches during the winter, and really cheer them on. Hoping for them to come visit me.