A Bird Of Our Own

A comment made by my friend Deb from Oregon (to the effect that my common birds aren't out her way, and vice versa) got me thinking about all my local species and which would be rarest for my devoted readers. I came up with one that probably would be a massive treat. And for us, it's quite common. That's this one: Sitta pusilla, the Brown Headed Nuthatch. My field guides tell me this delightful species, which I name "Squeaky Toy" in honor of its high pitched "bit bit bit" "rubber ducky" call, would rarely occur north of the Mason-Dixon line and west of, say, Dallas. They're pine woodlands specialists and around here are batty for peanut butter (and, oddly, not so much for suet.) And let me assure you, I am definitely fond of them and enjoy their every visit. Unfortunately, they're not daily guests, coming frequently in a period of time, then vanishing for as many days. Who knows what they're doing. So sorry not all of you can enjoy this species, but take solace that I must only dream of backyard visits by the likes of Stellar's Jays, and Boreal Chickadees, and Canyon Wrens... and too many others.