We had a very neat visitor here at the banding station this morning. This juvenile red-breasted nuthatch is the first nuthatch we have caught this year, and the first we have caught in the past couple years. These small songbirds can be found in mature coniferous woods where they often nest in cavities inside spruce trees. Nuthatches are well known for their unique foraging strategy of climbing up and down tree trunks looking for small insects. If you can't find one by sight, listen for their unmistakable car alarm-like song. Although many nuthatches in the lower-48 migrate to warmer climes during the winter months, most nuthatches here in Alaska are year-round residents. These birds love to frequent bird feeders, especially in colder months. Put a suet feeder in your yard and maybe you can attract your own nuthatches!
-Dave
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