Folks this fall have been seeing a lot of Red-breasted Nuthatches—a bird that is more commonly seen in regions north of Massachusetts (though not uncommon in the western part of the state).
This year is believed to be an “irruption” year, when lots of typically northern-dwelling birds are seen in large numbers in areas south of where they’d usually spend the winter. Irruptions occur because there is not enough food in their usual winter habitats, whether that’s because of a drought or other natural disaster or because it’s just not a plentiful seed crop year (their preferred winter food) for northern tree species. Several other irruptive bird species have also appeared recently in greater numbers, such as Pine Siskins, Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, and Pine Grosbeaks.
The name “nuthatch” comes from the way they open tough seeds: they’ll wedge the seed into a bark crevice or branch crotch and use their chisel-like bill to “hatchet” the “nut” open. Like their cousins the White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatches often descend trees head-first, using their relatively large and very strong feet, an adaptation that allows them to forage readily on insects hidden in the bark in the summer.
Enjoy these five photos of Red-breasted Nuthatches from our annual Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest and let us know if you’ve seen nuthatches of either variety at your feeders this fall—sometimes even both at the same time!
Have seen these in Beverly, MA in early winter for the past 3 years. Usually just one, but this year we had a pair.
First time ever seeing red-breasted nuthatches at my suet feeder–two of them. Luray VA
For those of us who do not yet know our back yard birds but have lots of woods in back, what should we provide for food this year? It’s interesting that these birds would be south instead of north of their winter habitat, but they seem hungry regardless. Many thanks,
Alix McNamee
Different birds like different food – woodpeckers like suet, finches like nyjer, but most birds like black-oil sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds can be messy, so if this is an issue, consider sunflower hearts or kernels. The more variety of food you offer, the more variety of birds you are likely to see.
Have a pair of redbreast nuthatches here for the past month; also about 8 pine siskin in the finch feeders, but the latter have all left now.
Occasional visitor to my feeders. So beautiful. Hatchville MA
Beautiful photos! I hope some Red-breasted Nuthatches visit my feeders.