It has been a while since I photographed a White-breasted Nuthatch. I did just that yesterday and thought that I would share it this morning. And why not?
Summer White-breasted Nuthatch – Canon R7, f8, 1/400, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
I’ve been hearing and seeing White-breasted Nuthatches, but they don’t seem to come down to the suet feeders much once their breeding season begins.
I’m not sure why, but in my experience with them in Arkansas, that’s just how they are. It’s a shame because I would love to see and photograph their young. I bet their chicks are cute little balls of fluff!
I was delighted when this adult visited the sunflower seed feeder for a few seconds yesterday. I was even more thrilled to have a camera in my hands when the nuthatch showed up.
I’ve found myself cameraless a few times lately when exciting birds or events have happened! I’ve been photographing birds and wildlife for a long time—I ought to know better. Sitting outside, enjoying the morning without a camera in my hands feels a bit silly.
But some mornings are made for simply relaxing and taking in the sights and sounds of the world waking up.
Having this bird species in my viewfinder again was fun.
White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches call often, which makes it even more frustrating when I can hear and see them but they don’t pop into view like this adult did.
Frustrations are part of bird and nature photography. Some days it feels like the photography goddess smiles on me more than others.
All in all, though, I wouldn’t give up what I do for anything. I love what I do and my subjects, too.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my White-breasted Nuthatch photos. I will be adding more when I have time.
I have lived in my house for 12 years. I have heard a White-breasted Nuthatch for all of those 12 years. I have seen it once for a fleeting second. Very frustrating.