"He's A Good Man"

 

White-Breasted Nuthatch

There was no mistaking the "tap, tap, tap" sound coming from our living-room window. He was back. The tiny white-breasted nuthatch, mistaking his reflection in our living-room window for a rival, was back defending his territory. Little did he know he was fighting a losing battle. 

The Nuthatch first arrived at the Living Room window bird feeder on Wednesday. Being a non-migratory bird, it's surprising I'd never previously noticed one at this particular feeder. They seldom are still, commonly flitting from tree-to-tree. Once landed, they search for insects by hopping, headfirst DOWN the tree. This unique "upside-down" view allows them to see insects that other birds - going up a tree - may miss. 

At the window feeder, he was quick to come-and-go. On Thursday, his behavior changed. His visits to the feeder increased in frequency and duration. Noticing a "rival" bird in the window he began interrupting his eating to puff up his chest, flap his wings and peck at "himself." "Tap, tap tap." Eventually the puffing-and-pecking replaced his eating completely. He became possessed with eliminating his competitor. (Watch entire video - be sure to have your sound on.)

I'd heard of this protective territorial behavior before but had never witnessed it up close and personal. The primal, instinctive urge to defend territory and protect his mate intensifies during the spring season. "He's a good man" commented Kevin. At first the harmless behavior was entertaining and amusing. But frustrated that his efforts wielded no results, he began flinging his body at the window. Tap-tap-tap changed to thump-thump-thump. 

Concern mounting over his unprotected nest and that he may injure himself, I taped a sheet of paper to the window. (Who cares what the neighbors think.) It 99% did the trick. He came back numerous times attempting to attack again, but frightened by the paper blowing in the wind, he retreated.  

Back for more.

Any thoughts of removing the paper today were soon distinguished. Not giving up the fight he was back again this morning. I appreciate the tenacity. I also love these gentle, little birds. They are frequent visitors to our feeders year-round. Any bird that sticks out our sometimes harsh Minnesota winters, deserves all the care and concern it can get from us humans. Primal instinct cannot be changed, but maybe after a couple days (weeks) I hope his behavior can be undone.

 

Just won't give up.

Is "he" under here?