We have also had both Red-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper nearly
constantly present this winter. There are at least three Red-breasteds and
two Brown Creepers in my backyard, and in a 2.5 mile walk through my local
patch yesterday, I found another group of three Red-breasted Nuthatches and
two more pairs of Brown Creepers. It's interesting that most of the Brown
Creepers I have seen this winter have been in pairs. Both of these species
are strikingly unafraid of humans, as they approach me or allow me to
approach them within one to two yards.
Our local Barred Owl has been very vocal, and closer to our house than in
years. Perhaps he will settle down with his mate in our yard like he did
maybe 8 years ago. I remember being so perplexed what this strange hissing
noise was, until I tracked it down to a young Barred Owl at the edge of the
yard! Strange I hadn't seen the nest before that.
Think spring,
Mary Ann Good, Lincoln (near Purcellville)
_____
From: va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of pdcrane@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2006 11:01 AM
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; " <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>"@freelists.org
Subject: [va-bird] Red-breasted Nuthatch, long term visitor
I have noticed several recent reports of Red-breasted Nuthatches. We have
had one coming to our sunflower feeder ever since late October. At first I
thought it was just passing through. Each year I participate in the Cornell
Project Feeder Watch. This year my bird count weekend started November 12,
and the Red-breasted Nuthatch has been present at everyone I've done so far,
including this weekend. It must feel quite at home in our neck of the
woods. This is the first time since we moved to Virginia in 1993 that we've
had one remain for such a long time. Does anyone else have a "winter
resident" Red-breasted Nuthatch?
We've also had a Brown Creeper present for the past three weeks. I know they
aren't all that uncommon, but it's a treat to have one hanging out in our
backyard.
Pat Crane
Vienna, VA
