Despite what the hysterical news people may be saying, the winter hasn't been all that rough in much of North America (the Pacific northwest is a noticeable exception) and that means one thing to southeast bird lovers: NO irruptions. If things do get bad enough in higher latitudes, we can sometimes enjoy sights of any number of species which might not probe this far south. We think most often of Pine Siskins (which were around last winter), Purple Finches, and this species, the Red Breasted Nuthatch. We hosted them most recently in the winters of 2007-08 and 2008-09, but nary a one has been seen in my precincts since.
There were a modest number of reports of RBN's around here last winter according to the Great Backyard Bird Count, more often in the western part of the state and more often still in the Appalachians. So I must believe I was an unlucky bird feeder then. But those sightings were a far cry from the really big irruption four winters ago.
So we wait for better luck next time. One never really knows what will turn up.
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