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.

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33 comments:

  1. Johnny NutcaseMarch 19, 2010 at 1:18 AM

    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!

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  2. ElaineMarch 19, 2010 at 4:12 AM

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

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  3. Midmarsh JohnMarch 19, 2010 at 4:58 AM

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

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  4. JayneMarch 19, 2010 at 7:12 AM

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

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  5. KynaMarch 19, 2010 at 8:11 AM

    Hehe, it pays to be thorough! :)

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  6. Janice KMarch 19, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    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.

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  7. Laure FerlitaMarch 19, 2010 at 9:28 AM

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

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  8. Greener BangaloreMarch 19, 2010 at 10:19 AM

    Love that tree Kelly ;)

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  9. Betsy Banks AdamsMarch 19, 2010 at 10:34 AM

    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

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  10. AndreaMarch 19, 2010 at 11:42 AM

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

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  11. Kerri FarleyMarch 19, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    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 :)

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  12. MontanagirlMarch 19, 2010 at 2:24 PM

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

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  13. holdingmomentsMarch 19, 2010 at 6:54 PM

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

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  14. grammie gMarch 19, 2010 at 7:55 PM

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

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  15. grammie gMarch 19, 2010 at 7:56 PM

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

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  16. Tammie LeeMarch 19, 2010 at 8:17 PM

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

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  17. AnonymousMarch 19, 2010 at 8:53 PM

    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.

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  18. JennyMarch 20, 2010 at 4:26 AM

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

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  19. oldcrow61March 20, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    Fabulous pictures as always.

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  20. CherrieMarch 20, 2010 at 12:48 PM

    She is beautiful!

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  21. Wanda.....March 20, 2010 at 1:08 PM

    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

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  22. TimareeMarch 20, 2010 at 3:46 PM

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

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  23. ChrisMarch 20, 2010 at 5:49 PM

    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 ;-)

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  24. AnonymousMarch 20, 2010 at 6:48 PM

    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

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  25. ReneeMarch 20, 2010 at 7:05 PM

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

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  26. pennyMarch 21, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    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.

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  27. TonyCMarch 21, 2010 at 6:24 PM

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

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  28. Susan EllisMarch 21, 2010 at 7:45 PM

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

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  29. KellyMarch 21, 2010 at 9:23 PM

    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.

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  30. Debbie Miller @HooootOwlMarch 21, 2010 at 10:37 PM

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

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  31. MaryMarch 22, 2010 at 7:04 PM

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

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  32. LarryMarch 23, 2010 at 12:38 AM

    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!

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  33. EMarch 27, 2010 at 12:27 AM

    Love this birds, awesome pics, Kelita.
    Congrats.

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