Thursday, March 18, 2010

Window shopping...

The weekend before last I was out looking for that crazy cocoon again (no luck finding it; however, it has been identified--see below for details), and while I hiked around, I saw this little White-breasted Nuthatch searching out new spring digs. I fell in love with the way she checked out this potential nesting cavity, carefully inspecting it from every angle.






After more window shopping, she flew down to a branch on a neighboring tree and grabbed something to eat from under the moss. I think she's keeping this one on the "promising" list!

Giant Cocoon Mystery Solved!
Dave Wilson from Blue Jay Barrens (another Ohio blogger, yeah!) dropped by the blog and let me know that our little Downy Woodpecker was hammering away on a giant silkworm moth cocoon (Cecropia moth). He writes that "the Cecropia is the only giant silkworm moth that aligns its cocoon along a branch as yours has done." Thank you, Dave!!! If you haven't visited Dave's blog yet, check it out. Dave always has something interesting going on.

33 comments:

Johnny Nutcase said...

awesome series of photos! I love that you got all his look-arounds on camera, how cute - gotta make sure it's the perfect spot!

Elaine said...

Wjat a fun post! The nuthatch is so cute checking out potential digs. I hope the rent is right....

Midmarsh John said...

Another great series of photos Kelly. It's always amazing how they seem to know instinctively what makes a suitable nesting or roosting place.

Jayne said...

How sweet to see her house hunting so earnestly. :c) I hope she'll find it the perfect place to nest.

Kyna said...

Hehe, it pays to be thorough! :)

Janice K said...

Isn't it interesting when you are blessed to see one looking for a house. I cleaned out some of my bird houses a week or so ago, and just happened to glance out at it and saw a chickadee doing a thorough investigation of it, inside and out. I was so amazed to watch it.

Laure Ferlita said...

It always pays to be careful when choosing our "homes" even if just for the season! Fun post!

Greener Bangalore said...

Love that tree Kelly ;)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kelly, Don't think I have heard from you in awhile. What is going on???? Staying busy looking for that cacoon I'm sure!!! ha

Love your Nuthatch pictures. I have them here---and they love peanuts... They seem to know when I put out the peanuts because they are always waiting. They come to the feeder, take a peanut and go back and forth until they are all gone... I love watching them..

Hugs,
Betsy

Andrea said...

Looks like a thorough inspection. A pleasant spot to spend the summer months. ;D

Kerri Farley said...

Glad the mystery is solved!
And I LOVE the WB Nuthatches....they are such bubbly little birds :)

I do hope the furniture will fit in the new digs :)

Montanagirl said...

Terrific series of the WB Nuthatch. I reckon I'd move in if I were her!

holdingmoments said...

Great sequence of her inspection Kelly. She's checking every nook and cranny. Love it.

grammie g said...

Adorable---so---adorable!!! What more can I say

grammie g said...

Adorable---so---adorable!!What more can I say!!!

Tammie Lee said...

oh my, the light, the colors, nature's art is perfection and your photography has captured it perfectly!

Anonymous said...

Great shots Kelly and how interesting to see how she was sizing up the prospective accommodation. I didn't see one in the photos, perhaps she didn't need a tape measure for the curtains and carpets.

Jenny said...

Looks like a good 'des res' to me Kelly. Do you know what type of tree that is? Lovely bark!

oldcrow61 said...

Fabulous pictures as always.

Cherrie said...

She is beautiful!

Wanda..... said...

I can see why the Nuthatch was attracted to that tree...it's the prettiest one on the block! You captured very nice photos, Kelly

Timaree said...

You take such great photos of these birds! Such clear closeups. Wonderful.

Chris said...

HI Kelly,
The nuthatch looks very funny and interested... And it was quite careful in inspecting the possible nest!!! You got a perfect set of pictures of the whole sequence... Let's hope you will soon see the courtship and then the babies ;-)

Anonymous said...

Great photos, kelly. That nuthatch is too cute for words, but I was really taken by the interesting appearance of the tree and its bark. p

Renee said...

I really love Nuthatches, they are so stinking adorable. I have Red and White breasted as regular customers, they make me laugh - so comical.

penny said...

Kelly, your photos of the Nuthatch are beautiful. The tree is a gorgeous as well and it will make a wonderful new home for her and her babies.

TonyC said...

Lovely sequence of the nuthatch Kelly, What lovely bark on the tree too.

Susan Ellis said...

Perfect!up, down, in, out and sideways...exactly what a serious home buyer should do! Great series Kelly!

Kelly said...

Thanks, everyone! What a cutie she was. I just love watching these little moments. The tree she was staking out was a huge Sycamore on the banks of the Little Miami River. The Sycamores that line the river are gorgeous....huge and strong, they tower over the other trees.

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Absolutely beautiful shots of the nuthatch. I love those digs too.

Mary said...

That is so cute :-) I hope she moves in.

Larry said...

These are super White-breasted Nuthatch shots Kelly! That sycamore is beautiful as well. A true work of art I would say.

That last photo of the nuthatch just before leaving the sycamore is classic.

I love this time of year!

E said...

Love this birds, awesome pics, Kelita.
Congrats.