White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta Carolinensis

This is a new bird for me.  I'm more familiar with the Red-breasted Nuthatch, and I was greatly surprised when two White-breasted Nuthatches arrived at the bird feeders several days ago.  They were perched in the poplars nearby.  I've seen one or the other every day since then.

• larger than the Red-breasted Nuthatch (White-breasted Nuthatch - 15cm,  Red-breasted Nuthatch - 11cm)
• conservation - "Too much pruning or felling of dead wood can reduce the nesting opportunities for this species."  (source: All About Birds)
• White-breasted Nuthatches are very territorial and will drive out any other nuthatches.  (It would be most unfortunate should this occur as the Red-breasted Nuthatches have inhabited these woods for many years.  We will have to wait and see what happens.)

Update:

November 4, 2012 - The White-breasted Nuthatch is still coming to the feeders and usually makes his presence known by calling out before descending for a sunflower seed. I have seen nothing of the Red-breasted Nuthatch since the arrival of the bigger bird.

Mountain View

The First Snowfall

 Went out this morning and the first thing I saw was snow on Sinkut Mountain.    

Flora and Fauna

Red Fox

Yesterday evening the fox came into the yard again.  On this particular night she was dining exclusively on black currants which are easier for her to reach than the saskatoon berries.  The first night that we saw her she jumped up several times to pull down a saskatoon berry branch in order to get at the fruit.  Then she discovered the currant bush in one corner of the garden. The fox continuously checked for any possible threats all the while she was eating, but even when she noticed me in the window and started running down the path, she stopped to look at me inquisitively.
  

• Red Foxes are omnivores

Birds of the Forest

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

I believe this is a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  This is my first time seeing one.