The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a fun, high energy bird we usually see in northern Illinois from late fall through early spring. Rarely, we even find them during the summer months.
The Red-breasted Nuthatch applies sticky conifer resin globules to 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. The resin may help to keep out predators or competitors. The nuthatch avoids the resin by diving directly through the hole. - The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Red-breasted Nuthatch
All About Birds
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Arija 10.14.08 at 7:35 am
Such a nice shot, without feeders it’s so hard to get close enough or have them still for long enough. I may have to succumb, break all our rules about feeding wild things and put up a feeder or two too.
animtreebird 10.14.08 at 9:48 am
Very beautiful bird. Nice photo. :)))
Owlman 10.14.08 at 11:11 am
Great photo! I haven’t seen any of my Red breasted’s yet, although they should be here soon. The weird angles these guys can get themselves into is awesome!
The Zen Birdfeeder 10.14.08 at 5:27 pm
Cool fun fact about this great little bird. We enjoy them year-round. They are a very approachable bird!