White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta Carolinensis
Cornell Link

5.1-5.5 "


White-breasted Nuthatches are one of five similar species found in North America. They are all known for facing downward while gripping the trunks of trees. They are found mostly in deciduous woodlands. All of these stood true for this nuthatch. They flock in large groups of chickadees and titmouses.

I have grown up listening to the little chirps these birds make. They are really common where I live. I love putting out suet in the winter and seeing these birds hang there and peck away at it. I once was walking through Tower Hill Botanical Garden and overheard a women... obviously from the city, reading her daughter an inscription on a plaque that described the potential birds available for viewing from that paricular post. When she got to Nuthatch, she pronounced it "New Thatch". I like that :)

American Kestrel

Falco sparverious

Cornell Link

8.7-12.2"
Kestrels range throughout North America. They are the most common falcon in the US. That doesn't stop the fact that they are beautiful however. They are the most colorful falcon as well.

This Kestrel was far away and content to stay that way. I barely got this photo. It had caught a snake and flew away with it a second after this picture was taken. It was really pretty. It flew all around me but didn't sound at all. I was happy to get this picture. I have seen this kestrel around the same area for a couple of days... maybe I will try to go back for a better picture.

Pine Warbler

Dendroica pinus

5"-5 3/4"
As its name implies, the Pine Warbler is usually found in amougnst pines. It is one of the few types of warblers that inhabits its breeding ground all year long. It is found all throughout eastern North America. It has a nice quiet song (a soft lisping chip).

There were two of these flying around. I originally thought they were yellow warblers, but upon further observance, they had a olive face mask. I thought it would be too early to see yellow warblers anyway. It was so nice to see some yellow in amoung the bare branches of the trees. Daffodills and pine warblers.... thank God for Spring.