Nuthatches always creep down the tree trunks head first, this allows them to search the bark crevices for insects overlooked by birds that climb up head first. They keep the trees healthy by eating beetles, caterpillars, wood borers and other damaging insects. The Nuthatch nest in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. They may also breed in bird boxes, but most often choose a tree hole. So it is so important to allow dead trees and branches to remain for them and others to have the natural cavities. Their populations are increasing which may be due to backyard bird feeders. They like the sunflower seeds, suet and cracked corn.
The other day one of these birds was hunched down in the feeder, not moving at all. I was so concerned at first, then it dawned on me what was going on. A hawk had to be perched nearby. I ran outside and on the side of the house the hawk was up in the large tree. By feeding the birds at feeders they attract the hawks and it is advised to stop feeding the birds for a few days so hawks will give up and look elsewhere. With the freezing weather we are having, I try to feed them early in the morning and once again before night, hoping they don't hang around all day with the hawk near.
The branches were in the way and it made the pictures a little blurry.
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