I lead a field trip for SMAS to Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on February 5. The trip ended out of the park at the end of Lloyd Bowen Road. The hoped for Brown-headed Nuthatches didn't disappoint. The first one we found we had actually blown off as a woodpecker drumming. Turned out it was a BHNU excavating a hole on the underside of a dead snag in one of the trees near the water. I assume that cavity nesters nest earlier than other species since their nests are protected? Maybe not a good assumptions but he was sure going at it!

 
Tyler Bell

California, Maryland


________________________________
 From: mike burchett <>
To:  
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 5:11 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] RE Early Nesting Evidence -- Nuthatches
 
Betsy and I found a Brown-headed Nuthatch excavating a cavity in the end of
a snag on 10 March 2012.  The location was down a path labelled Shorters
Marsh--Area Q1 at Blackwater.  This appeared to be a nesting cavity.  A
mate was nearby calling for the duration we were there.  The excavating
individual was silent.  I was able to get a few photos of this.

I suspect we will see a decent amount of early nesting this year,
especially for resident or near-resident species.  Time will tell.

Cheers and good birding,
Mike Burchett
Salisbury, MD

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