Calling Red-breasted Nuthatch maleCalling Red-breasted Nuthatch male – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was looking through some images I took last year in the Targhee National Forest in Idaho at the “Magical Sapsucker Tree” and realized that I need to spend more time in the woods if I want to photograph more woodland birds. I used to get creepers and nuthatches and tons of woodpeckers in my yard in Virginia but I lived out in the country with woods surrounding me. I also spent far more time in my yard and garden than I do now too.

I realized I had previously only posted three images of these Red-breasted Nuthatches from my time at the aspen that was such a great nesting tree for several species.

Red-breasted Nuthatch at a nesting treeRed-breasted Nuthatch at a nesting tree – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I can’t say for certain that the nuthatches ever nested in the tree prior to last year but this male sure was curious about the cavities and all the other bird activity at the aspen last spring. I bet their young are adorable though and I would like to see them feeding their young and watching them fledge.

Not one of the birds would have been photographed at this amazing nesting tree had it not been for my keen hearing and even keener eyesight. Not one.

It is a shame that some thoughtless person or people chopped down that tree last year. Many birds lost out on using that great nesting tree.

Red-breasted Nuthatch clinging to an AspenA Red-breasted Nuthatch clinging to an Aspen – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Maybe this year I will be able to find another nesting tree as busy as the one in these images, I hope so. I’d love more images of Red-breasted Nuthatches and all the other cavity nesting birds I saw at that tree. Seeing and photographing this Red-breasted Nuthatch was such a thrill for me that I want a repeat performance!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-breasted Nuthatch photos plus facts and information about this species.