White Breasted Nuthatch II

photograph of a White Breasted Nuthatch on a tree trunk

White Breasted Nuthatches have the odd habit of creeping down tree trunks.  This one stopped to survey it’s surrounding.  In the process it showed off it’s flexibility by craning it’s neck more than 90 degrees to assess the scene.  This photo was taken on a rainy day and you can see a tiny drop of water clinging to the bird’s belly.

Brown Headed Nuthatch

photograph of a brown headed nuthatch hanging under a pine cone

I encountered this brown headed nuthatch in a grove of pine trees along the south shore of the James River.  I later learned the James River is the northern edge of their range, which explained why I had never seen one before; I live on the north side of the river.