WINGSCAPES

The Mystery of the Nuthatch

Another of the autumn birds increasing in visibility at the suet feeders in preparation for winter is the Red-breasted Nuthatch. One of the easiest to recognize and most beloved species of North American feeder-visiting birds, the nuthatch is readily identifiable by its odd head-down vertical posture. The reason for this unusual perching position is not fully understood, however it may have something to do with the nuthatch’s habit of wedging seeds in the crevices of tree bark and hacking them open with its beak. A head down posture may give it increased striking force on the seed.

BirdCam Week at The Zen Birdfeeder

I'm working through a backlog of items I want to post about. In early December, our friend Nancy Castillo posted some great BirdCam images on her blog The Zen Birdfeeder.  Nancy runs a Wild Birds Unlimited store and was one of our first dealers to catch-on to a great benefit of the BirdCam...it can be used to showcase other products.

On Monday, Nancy posted some great images of Woodpeckers and Nuthatches, including this one in which she captured a Downy and Hairy woodpecker together. This two are nearly identical except for their size. (Hairy is similar size to Red bellied or Red headed Woodpeckers,...Downy is smaller.)

...the Tuesday, Nancy showcased the WBU Eliminator feeder...
 

...on Wednesday, Nancy posted some cool shots of various Rodentia...

...on Thursday, it was a smattering of different birds. I was surprised recently to learn that many backyard birders have an aversion to Blue Jays. I love them. They take great photos...

...on Friday, Nancy posted some great video. Click here to check it out.

Wingscapes loves Nancy. She is a BirdCammer of the first order.

City Birder Finds BirdCam Success

Since beginning this project two years ago, I've been reading birding blogs. I have a particular interest in urban bird blogs. One of the most compelling aspects of birding is that it provides a way for people to connect with wildlife and nature regardless of where they live. Anyone, anywhere can enjoy birds...less true with other types of wildlife. That so much bio-diversity exists in cities is missed by many, and it sets up an "ah ha!" moment for many beginning birders. Once you realize how many species are around you everyday, it is hard not to be curious about what you can find if you actually start looking.

Anyway, I've enjoyed urban bird blogs like City Birder and  A DC Birding Blog for a while. I'd asked both to test out the BirdCam and was eager to see some images, especially from New York City. I was surprised when Rob Jett (City Birder) didn't have quick success, but he seems to have had a watershed session with it. In just several hours, he captured a Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chipping Sparrow and Purple Finch. Check out his post on December 1st. Hopefully we will see more BirdCam images from NYC.