Brown-headed Nuthatch Nest

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 36026444 - Brown-headed Nuthatch; Walton County, Georgia. March 31, 2017.

A flurry of back and forth flights directed my eye to a tree stump on the water’s edge of the pond. Brown-headed Nuthatches (Sitta pusilla) were making runs to a small opening in the stump and disappearing in the shadowy hole. Zooming in, I saw the incoming flights carried small pieces of leafy-like material, while the outgoing flights were empty beaked. They had found a nice cavity to build their nest!

Both the male and female will excavate the nest cavity, which is usually in a dead tree or fence post about 5 feet off the ground. Nesting material includes grass, feathers, pine seed wings, hair and bark shavings. Once the nest is complete, the pair, or the female alone, will roost in the cavity before the eggs are laid, and throughout the nesting period. The nest is usually attended by more than the female/male pair as family groups, typically young males, will assist at the nest.

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 36026444 - Brown-headed Nuthatch; Walton County, Georgia. March 31, 2017.

The following day, I returned to the nest site. Several nuthatches were still busy with out-and-back flights while one remained in the cavity most of the time. Instead of a shaky monopod, this time I was prepared with a tripod and cable release trigger. I also brought a strong flashlight to position under the branch to throw just a little light on the cavity that is placed on the shady underside of the tree trunk. The difference may be almost imperceptible, but look much better to me!

​Walton County, Georgia

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 36026444 - Brown-headed Nuthatch; Walton County, Georgia. March 31, 2017.

Publicado el 31 de marzo de 2022 por williamwisephoto