Next Juvenile Spotted

For the last couple of weeks I've been using BirdCam to look for hummingbirds at the prime nectar feeder.  Results are still nil but I have seen other things.  One of them is this apparent juvenile form of White Breasted Nuthatch.  I'm willing to bet this one was one of those raised here on the property in the early spring.  So far we have seen young for this, House Finch, Cardinal, and Eastern Bluebird.  Who's next?  we shall see!

Moving on From Nest Attack

Last week's predator attack on the nest box used by the White Breasted Nuthatches appears to have been only a bump in the road for the nuthatches.  For two days now I have seen WBN activity at the same box and clear evidence a new brood attempt is being made.  That's a relief!  I don't like the thought that some negligence on my part imperils the backyard birds.  It's also a clear sign that box is a very desirable property for this species.  If only the rest of the boxes were the same story!  Alas, we only get one or two successes a year and this will be mine.  So we move on!

Disaster For the Nuthatches

It appears we had a nest catastrophe this week.  During my rounds today I chanced to see that the nest box used by a pair of White Breasted Nuthatches had been pried open (squirrels).  I investigated, atop ladder, and determined that the box is uninhabited.  It may be a predator raided the nest and the nuthatches fled.  I imagine a second attempt could be made, but the mojo is bad.  I'll have to watch and make sure that box is secure going forward.  Now all hinges on the bird bottle and a nest attempt by Carolina Wrens, otherwise round one has not been very good for any of us.

Nuthatch Nest Again

As speculated a few weeks ago, White Breasted Nuthatches have taken up a nest site in our "deep woods" box for the third straight year.  They have now been observed pair-feeding, with the female resident in the box.  It's always a delight to know that at least one of our nest boxes "works" for some species, although this is the only box that consistently delivers results.  It will take a couple of weeks or so for something to happen and I will be watching developments very closely.

Annual Nest Box Check

I can bring them in to feed.  And to water.  But I can't get them to nest.  My annual nest box check took place Saturday, a time when I verify nesting use in the boxes and then clean them out for the coming year.  And it was a bust.  Out of eight boxes, I found nest activity in only one.  And this one was the box where White Breasted Nuthatches were observed in the spring.  They made a tight and soft package that seems to have included an awful lot of hair!  I can only assume this was scored from creatures other than myself!  Or perhaps it's lint gathered from all of the dryer vents.  In any case it's a classic WBN design.  I'm disappointed this was all we had from 2013.  But we can hope for better results next year.  I always do!

Missing In Action

At every point in the year the backyard birdwatcher probably fails to see certain species.  They seem so plentiful at one time and then seemingly disappear.  I can recount dozens of instances over the years here.  Right now I am not finding some perennials, and one of these is the White Breasted Nuthatch.  These birds are intensely active and visible every spring and they are in fact my most reliable nesting species on the property.  But right now, in fall, nothing.  Surely they are around and probably doing well with late season seeds and insects.  No doubt when these are more limited the little devils will find their way back and all will seem normal in nuthatch land, again.

Nuthatches Lying Low

After making such a big splash here during the spring breeding season, the White Breasted Nuthatches seemed to step off stage.  I hardly saw them the past two months until they showed up in a couple of BirdCam frames.  That's no proof they're coming back around for regular visits, but it would be nice to see these characters more often.  They are after all one of the view to rear young on the property---to my knowledge.  We shall see if this is the start of a trend.  Welcome back!

Still Busy Out There

The White Breasted Nuthatches continue to be busy with their nest in my "deep woods" box.  At least today they're feeding...something.  I've decided based on past experience and time of year that there are hatchlings involved now and both parents are in feeding mode.  I'm hoping to get some visual evidence of something and hopefully of fledged nuthatches in the next week or two.  It is hard: these are secretive birds and I am not around enough to see everything.  But it is close. Can't wait!

Nuthatches Must Be Near Hatching

The White Breasted Nuthatches are well along in their first wave nesting in their favorite box.  I've seen the male feeding the female often in recent days, so she's clearly inclined to stay put.  She's also alert. I caught this photograph while checking for Jack in the Pulpits in the area below.  She didn't seem irritated, merely concerned.  Once I took the photo I backed off and left her in peace.  That visit also confirmed that the fledge hasn't taken place, and probably not the hatch either (else she'd be feeding the young).  So how long a wait?  Can't be more than a few more days.  We will be waiting!

Mysterious Goings-On

We continue to watch the doings at our most popular nest box.  A pair of White Breasted Nuthatches has definitely taken up nesting activity, as they have for three continuous years. But it is unclear they've done much beyond making a nest.  I see both birds engaged in feeding activity.  Are there already hatchlings?  I suppose it is possible if a tad early.  What I can't bring myself to do is get into a position to investigate: I'm happy enough things have advanced as far as they have.  Perhaps we shall know more in a few weeks---or days.

Busy Nuthatches

We've been watching the White Breasted Nuthatches for the past week and it is clear they are well along in their first nest attempt effort for 2013.  One bird is in and out of the box constantly--the box this species has favored for three early springs in a row.  I can't discern whether we have hatchlings yet: I don't think so, but in past March was about the right time.  I sure would love to know what it is about this one box that attracts so many uses while other, similar boxes go begging.  It doesn't get that much sun, it's actually facing north, and isn't deep in woods.  Well, one must not be choosy.  The nuthatches at least find something acceptable here and that's a nice thing.  Now: when do we see fledglings? how many weeks?  Should be interesting!...

House Hunting

It isn't March, but it is no longer winter in the purest since of the word.  For around here spring is making itself known in various ways.  And one of those ways is the start up of nesting operations.  During the Great Backyard Bird Count I watched some of the investigations---and more---from several species.  The one that seems farthest along comes from the White Breasted Nuthatches which, for the third year in a row, have cottoned to this nest box along the south edge of the property.  I know they're serious having successfully fledged young at least once and I believe twice.  All I can right now is watch what goes on because I am hesitant to drag a ladder out and investigate, risking a fright seen for the birds.  It's good to see the next phase of spring and a little continued success at one of the nest boxes.

Aw Nuts.

Peanuts keep moving here at the land of Cary BirdCam, and it's almost time to replenish the stock, for I think, the third time this winter.  But it is a surprisingly small group of birds that have formed the moving crew.  From top of the month photography, I've observed all three of the winter nuthatches (Red Breasted, White Breasted, and Brown Headed), and the rest of the usual suspects (chickadees, titmice, wrens, and Downy Woodpeckers).  So far at least no others have stopped by except out of curiosity.  And blessed be, there are no squirrels in sight either.  Hence we have a relatively economical attractant for some of the most interesting small birds in the area!  Consider adding peanuts! but make sure they are squirrel-safe: two layers of steel might do the trick.  You won't regret the results!

Great Response to Peanuts

The new menu offerings of peanuts (well, new now.  Not new to Cary BirdCam!) have been in place a week and the crowd response has been very good indeed.  Already the small birds like White Breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, Brown Headed Nuthatches and Carolina Wrens are all over that feeder and have pulled 25% of the stock.  Best of all, there is no photo evidence of squirrels whatsoever (their depredations on the peanut butter feeder are, however, a different story)  I am beginning to suspect that I may have underpurchased peanuts for the winter.  This food stuff is sure to be another cold weather sensation!

They Must Be Done

The evidence is quite strong now that our White Breasted Nuthatches are done with their most recent nesting attempt.  For one, I have seen no sign of birds at the box they used.  And for another, I have seen both WBN's moving around the feeders.  What I can't tell is if there was a successful fledge: I suppose I'll need to see three birds together as I am lousy at distinguishing juveniles of this species from their parents.  I can only keep watching to see if anything interesting happens.  It was a delight to know that one box here may have produced results.  Fortunately, the season is still young.

Suet Activity Is Up

For some time we have observed that the period of greatest consumption of suet is in warm months--specifically April through July.  And the high point is coming, perhaps soon.  The reason's pretty clear: many species find this a fast energy source for youngsters, or to fuel themselves as they hunt for other foods--for the same reason.  Already I'm watching a cavalcade of species: bluebirds, titmice, robins, downy woodpeckers, flickers, nuthatches, Pine Warblers, grackles...you name it...raiding every suet basket.  I know these White Breasted Nuthatches are nesting (possibly a second brood!) and I'm sure that's happening with most if not all of the others.  Consumption had been quite low for much of 2012.  Now the real show begins!

Fledge is Imminent

The drama has heightened at the White Breasted Nuthatch nest box.  After weeks of nesting activity, I think the actual fledge is just about to occur, or may have already done so!  This afternoon I saw both birds of the pair outside the box.  But they were both acting cagey: perhaps they're trying to lure out youngsters.  It is certainly time.  Given my schedule it won't be possible to watch what goes on in the next day or two.  But I can watch the feeders.  Young nuthatches will be introduced to the suet feeder for certain.  It should be interesting!  Will this be my first sighted juvenile species of 2012?

Must Be Peanut Fed

I have been keeping an eye on my tenants in the "back row box"---White Breasted Nuthatches.  But things look quiet.  I think the female is in there, and I am not about to disrupt the proceedings.  I have a few times seen the male, and he is doing his level best to fly peculiar routes and be unobtrustive.  I'd imagine he returns periodically with food offerings.  What BirdCam tells me is that a lot of that may be in the form of peanut pieces.  There are lots and lots of photos of this bird working the peanut feeder.  I can't fault the bird's tastes, or his style.  And I am expecting a well fed little fledgling...soon!

Nest Box Update

We are getting very close to what should be our first fledge on the property.  I confirmed tonight that the White Breasted Nuthatches are still very much tenanting the back-line nest box that has attracted WBNs before.  I am fairly certain I watched a male feeding a female inside.  If nothing else, one bird is still moving about the box weeks after I first observed them here.  It's not impossible there is a hatchling but I am not going to get close enough to find out: would risk disturbing the peace, as it were.  The countdown has begun...what will emerge? and when?  Stay tuned...

First Tenants Confirmed

At first we thought chickadees were moving in to my "best" nest box---the one that's attracted the most birds over time.  But today I got a really good look and realized we actually have White Breasted Nuthatches!  This box also saw a successful WBN fledge two springs ago.  That they are nesting is a confirm: I watched one bird fly in material and hand it off to another inside the box.  Assuming they have been busy at this task for the last three days I am quite certain an impressive establishment is now in place.  My next job will be to rig up, if I can, a BirdCam to take some Hail Mary timelapse shots in hope of capturing good images of nest box traffic.  And we can now celebrate our first tenants of 2012!