Sunday, January 08, 2012

Nuthatches

In my back yard is an old weathered tree branch.  For some reason, the branch grew in a circular formation. Birds, especially the smaller ones like chickadees and these red-breasted nuthatches love to perch on it. It's full of cracks and crannies that are perfect for hiding seeds and other treasures in.
Nuthatches are distinctive because of the way they perch upside down on the trees, and run down the trunk rather than up it. That way they can find insects in the cracks that the right-side up birds miss.  (That's the definition of "win-win situation" in the bird world.)  They are very lively, friendly little birds who aren't afraid of people or cats.
Watercolor in Moleskine sketchbook.

6 comments:

Barbara B said...

Good to see you back. That circular branch is very interesting, and you've got some awfully good looking birds in your yard!

Cathy Holtom said...

They're a lovely shape, very pretty!

Connie said...

The branch is fascinating. And your birds, these and the chickadee, are wonderful.

Sue Brown said...

What a great design you've made - beautiful! I love these little birds too, they are regular visitors to the feeders right outside my window.
Sue

Lynn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kazumiwannabe said...

Lovely birds! Nice drawing and nice learning a bit about them! That circular branch is a strange thing, never seen the like!