This post is part of a project in the works; "An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing, research and facts over the course of a year with a watercolor painting for each entry. Originals and prints will be available via the website as they are completed and prepped and the book will be available upon completion.
The first snow of November transforms the backyard into a quiet, white wonderland. As I sip my coffee, I look out the kitchen window, watching the delicate snowflakes dance their way to the ground. My gaze falls upon the suet feeder, now dusted with a light layer of snow.
Suddenly, a flash of movement catches my eye. Perched on the feeder is a tiny bird with a striking appearance—a red-breasted nuthatch. Its slate-blue upperparts contrast beautifully with its rich rusty-red breast, and its distinctive black eye stripe gives it a somewhat mischievous look. I watch, entranced, as it pecks at the suet, its sharp beak moving with precision.
The nuthatch’s song, a series of nasal, horn-like "yank-yank" notes, fills the crisp morning air. It's a sound that always brings a smile to my face, a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature. The little bird seems unbothered by the cold, its feathers fluffed up against the chill, and I marvel at its adaptability.
The red-breasted nuthatch has a fascinating life cycle. These birds typically mate for life, forming strong pair bonds. In the spring, they excavate a nest cavity in dead or decaying trees, often choosing coniferous forests as their preferred habitat. The female lays a clutch of 5-8 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Once the eggs hatch, both parents take turns feeding the hungry chicks. After three weeks, the fledglings are ready to leave the nest, though they stay with their parents for a while, learning the skills they need to survive.
Ogemaw County provides an ideal habitat for these charming birds. The mix of mature forests and wetlands offers plenty of food and nesting sites. Interestingly, Ogemaw County is at the southern end of the red-breasted nuthatch's year-round range. While many of these birds migrate south in search of food during the winter, some hardy individuals remain in this area all year long, taking advantage of the plentiful conifers and the suet feeders provided by bird enthusiasts like me.
Watching the nuthatch, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Despite the cold and the snow, life carries on in its beautiful, intricate way. The nuthatch’s cheerful calls and vibrant plumage are a reminder of the resilience and beauty of the natural world, even as winter settles in.. As the snow continues to fall, I make a mental note to keep the suet feeder well-stocked throughout the season, ensuring my feathered friend has plenty to eat during the cold months ahead.
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