This picture clearly shows how it is easy for the Nuthatch to move along trunks. Unlike woodpeckers, it does not use its tail as a support.

Nuthatches flies out of the forest to come to my garden, but only in winter. Winter light conditions are often poor, just waiting better …

History of my observations which led to this series of Nuthatch pictures: While walking thru the forest, far from foot tracks, I have observed one Green Woodpecker in flight. When I approached the tree from where I thought it flied away I discovered an oak with several holes. One of these holes seemed quite new. I haven't seen anything new during a quarter of an hour waiting hidden at some distance from the tree. (I have not waited longer because staying near a nest may cause problems to the brood). I have tried again on the following day. The tripod was installed in front of the tree hole. The camera was equipped with a wired remote control and I hid myself at a good distance, hoping the Green Woodpecker will come soon. No Green Woodpecker but Nuthatches landing higher in the tree and disappearing behind the trunk. Am I badly hidden? I have deinstalled all this equipment after one hour, without any taken pictures. Walking around the tree I discovered a Nuthatch nest located inside an old Woodpecker hole. The entrance was typically reduced with mud. I came back here one week later. Though the nest was rather high in the tree, I have installed the same equipment in front of the Nuthatch's nest this time. I have been able to take a complete series of pictures. This current picture is part of this series. All the pictures are not perfectly sharp as the focus was manually preset and the Nuthatches didn't land exactly where I was expecting. The lack of light under the trees requires a wide open aperture, so the depth of field is reduced. I will use the flash light during the next sessions to fix this problem. Note: The Green Woodpecker nest, in the same tree, was in use and allowed me to shoot another series of pictures a few weeks later.

Other picture of the series described above.

This nest has been used by Great Spotted Woodpeckers in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 it has been used by Great Tits. There has been a new tenant again in 2011 as these are Eurasian Nuthatches. The wall made up of mud and saliva and reducing the size of the entrance hole is clearly visible on this picture.