One of the birds I was looking forward to seeing in Canada was the White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). As a kid in the UK seeing the European Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) was always a source of excitement. I believe this species has expanded its range in the UK in recent years and is now more 'visible' than in the past - but we have no nuthatches in Australia so I was keen to catch up with one.
The White-Breasted Nuthatch is the largest nuthatch in North America. This species is found in much of southern Canada, most of the United States and areas of Mexico. This species shows a good deal of variation over its range and it has been suggested that it is in fact not a single species, but four separate species. At present this suggestion has not been accepted by the taxonomic powers that be.
As you can see from these pictures this is a species that will readily come to bird tables and feeding stations - so maybe this weeks WBW should really be called Partially Wild Bird Wednesday!
We are experiencing some terribly hot weather here, so I is very nice to see some pictures from a much cooler time and place!
As ever, to join in with WBW, click on the link below. Cheers SM
You made a friend, Stewart! Thank you for hosting. Aloha!
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