The white-breasted nuthatch may be considered a common winter bird, but it is far from ordinary. While many Massachusetts birds cling and crawl on the trunks of trees, only curious little nuthatches descend trees head-first. Learn more about these species and enjoy these five photographs from the photo contest archive.

2013 Photo Contest Entry, copyright Judith Davis

2011 Photo Contest Entry, copyright Rob Griffith

2011 Focus on Feeders Photo Contest Entry, copyright Tom Murray

2010 Photo Contest Entry, copyright Meyer Franklin

2011 Focus on Feeders Photo Contest Entry, copyright Renata Gilarova

With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s time to give thanks for the wild turkey. Once completely wiped out of the state due to over-harvesting, this bird is now a regular fixture of forests and even suburban and urban areas. Our past Photo Contest participants have captured the many facets of this fascinating species.

A male turkey, or tom, struts his stuff. 2012 Photo Contest entry, © Barye Hall

Yes, turkeys can fly! 2013 Photo Contest entry, © Andy Trushaw

The fleshy bump above the beak is called a snood. 2012 Photo Contest entry, © Richard Alvarnaz

The turkey chick, or poult, has a fuzzy head. 2013 Photo Contest entry, © Ronald Grant

Turkeys are social birds. 2012 Photo Contest entry, © Alison Colby Campbell.