January 25, 2025

Yesterday I posted about the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) and its absence from my garden during these past many snowy and very cold days. I’ve been reading about them today, and it seems there is an interesting and, to me, a surprising explanation.

The White-breasted Nuthatch, which had been thought to be a non-migratory bird has been observed migrating from time to time in just the past couple years. An irruptive species will move out of their normal home territory when their usual foods don’t provide for their needs. Migrating just every now and then.

Now the White-breasted Nuthatch might be following in its relatives’ footsteps. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is considered to be an irruptive species