Calling Nuthatch

[Olybirder]

I spotted this Nuthatch perched on a branch in the woods at Strumpshaw Fen. I became aware of a bird calling extremely loudly and it took me a few seconds to connect the two events. I am not sure if the ruffled feathers are part of the 'performance' or if it is just windswept. The photos are not great but it is the first time I have seen a Nuthatch calling, so I am pleased to have a record of it.

E-M1 and 75-300 II.

Ron

[brian1208]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

I've not seen this either Ron, thanks for sharing (a bit different from the usual sleek looking bird we usually see )

[Alpha1]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

I just love the Nuthatch. The ruffled feathers could be after some sort of scrap as they are usually very neat birds. As for the call, was it a whistling call or a trill type call or an unmistakeable alarm call?

I spent an entertaining afternoon two days ago, sitting in the sun in our garden listening to a Nuthatch singing his shrill whistling call. He could also count!

I replied to his call with a whistle that copied his own call. He responded with a call with two long whistles to which he unmistakably replied, identically. I couldn't see him at this stage but his calls were coming from different directions in the garden. I went on with three single whistles to which he replied identically, then I went to four and he replied with four, but then he went back to one and the routine started again. He then came into view sitting and calling from a dead tree branch in full view of my seated position. It went on until he came and perched on a cedar tree just 12 feet from where I was sat.

At this point I decided to stop, in fear of leading him on to a hopeless courting date!

[Wee man]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

Great shots of bird behaviour.

[Olybirder]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

Thanks Brian, Ed and Dave. The call was a piercing whistle, repeated three or four times with a pause before repeating it. In the photos it was obviously looking up at another Nuthatch which was somewhere nearby, so I think it was a contact call.

Dave, your story about the close encounter with a Nuthatch is wonderful. I went to Strumpshaw Fen for about five years and never saw a single Nuthatch. Now I see them on just about every visit.

Ron

[jdal]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

Excellent shots for a "quick catch", particularly the first.

[Sandra]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

I really like these shots, love the soft colours.

[OM USer]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

A bird I haven't seen. Well done.

[bredman]

Re: Calling Nuthatch

Nice shots Ron.

I grew up beside a large old cemetery full of Nuthatches and saw them calling several times. They would form several large family groups and became quite loud and audacious squabbling around the branches just a couple feet away without a care. They are all gone from there now, not a single one.