Winter storms have kept us inside, so I’ve put out the winter feeders to help these little creatures weather the recent high winds and deep snow.

All sorts of birds have come, but now have to battle the starlings that recently showed up too. Yes, I know starlings have to eat also, but really! This little nuthatch, though, seems to have the tree all to himself as he walks often upside down, sideways, and then changes directions while creeping and moving all around the limb picking at it. He doesn’t have to battle too much the other birds at the feeders, though he and his mate still joins the black-capped chickadees and tufted titmouse at the feeder. Little lucky birds!

The small (about 5 and 3.4 inches) white-breasted nuthatch are usually found in pairs year round and are common in eastern North America, most often near open forests with oak or pine trees.