This morning nearly caught me doing cartwheels. Almost. But certainly a moment of great joy. I spotted a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). One of my favorite birds. But because they are irruptive migrants, I don’t see them every winter. Absence, indeed, makes the heart grow fonder.

Irruptive migration is when a species of bird depends more upon its food supply than on other triggers of migration. These birds are more unpredictable but generally only migrate short distances. I love that it is a toss up whether I will see Red-breasted Nuthatches during the winter, and really cheer them on. Hoping for them to come visit me.