An affectionate name for the Nuthatch is 'The Mud Stopper', in part due to its' nesting habits. The bird nests in natural holes in trees (although it does sometimes use nest boxes) and to prevent larger birds and predators from entering the nest the female will reduce the size of the hole with mud. The Nuthatch name comes from its' feeding habits, where it wedges a nut or seed in a crevice and hammering it open with its' bill.
A fairly common bird in Britain, although it is more often heard than seen. A unique bird in that it is the only British bird to descend a tree trunk head first.
Well, I didn't know this, beautiful images of the Mud Stopper.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, they do say that you live and learn.
DeleteJ
Lovely shots John.
ReplyDeleteThey always remind me of a bandit, with that black eye stripe.
Thanks Keith,
DeleteYes, all they need is a stripy jumper to complete the look. ;)
J
Superb images John...
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely birds I see often on my patch but have only seen three times in my garden... so pleased with my photos (apart from the plastic feeder).
Thanks Andrew,
DeleteThey are fairly common locally, but I have only had one in the garden, a few years ago now, I wait for another to appear.
You are right to be pleased with your photos, they are superb!
J
Wonderful images of the nuthatch and also interesting to learn about its nesting and feeding habits.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gillian, hopefully, you don't find my little snippets too dull!
DeleteJ
I love these little visitors too, but wow, I never knew about the mud stopping, how cool is that. Great image shares~
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, it's always nice to learn something new!
DeleteJ
Lovely photos of a lovely bird which I have yet to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks John,
DeleteGet out to your local woods in the Spring and I am sure that you will hear one, if not more. Learn the call and you are bound to come across one soon. :)
J
I love little birds best I think. Possibly the nuthatch is the reason why. Thanks for another excellent set of images backed up with great information!
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks Bazza, little birds are always active, always 'doing' something, I think that's why they are appealing!?
DeleteJ
Lovely images John. These are real little characters and I am hoping to see plenty this winter in Bluebell Wood.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roy,
DeleteI would like to see just one in Bluebell Wood this year, so far I have had no luck!
J
A lovely series of photos John. I have only ever managed poor record shots and even those not very often. My friend, who lives not far from me, has them in the garden but I have never had them in mine, I live in hope :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan, I don't if mine are much better than record shots! As I said in a previous comment, I have had one in the garden, several years ago, but not since! Hopefully one will appear again!
DeleteJ