Nuthatches

I would never declare a favorite bird, they are all interesting and worthy of attention. But I have to comment on the entertainment value of nuthatches. The "heads down" approach to everything makes them seem like little clowns at times.
We had a family of white breasted nuthatches nesting in an old nest box on the back of the garage. They seem to have found it to their liking as there seems to be more of them around lately. The increase in numbers has led to more entertainment, we both win.
The other day I saw one approaching a hanging squirrel "resistant" feeder, the kind with the horizontal bar for feeding. It perched on the hanger pole and swiveled its head back and forth as if trying to figure out the best approach. It flew to the bar and hung upside down, unable to reach the seeds. Back to the hanger and then another failed attempt. Back up to the hanger and a pause with lots of head swiveling.
Third time's the charm, it landed on the moving metal piece that is supposed to cover the feed slot under a squirrels weight, tipped its head back(down) and helped itself to the sunflower seed prize.
After that all was well, success after success for the nut hatch, lots of entertainment for me.
One other thing about nuthatches is the distinctive nasal voice. I particularly like the red breasted nuthatches 'neep neep' which always makes me smile.

Personalities of all sizes

Having watched the generations of animals that have inhabited our yard I notice behavior differences among individuals. Often that behavior reflects their tolerance of humans.
In the past we have had resident humming birds that used the feeder outside the kitchen window no matter what we were doing at the sink. In fact at one point one was so used to me that even when I was outside within 3 feet of the feeder it would feed readily.
Our current group range from shy to downright skittish. The female in the picture above is the least wary. She will use the feeder if we are still, but much movement will drive her away. The rest of the several that use the feeder will barely tolerate our presence in the room. As a result the kitchen blind is frequently closed when we should be enjoying the view.

The Grackle invasion

There are always grackles about, but this year we seem to be having a greater concentration. They are spending a great deal of time hogging up our feeders, and the neighbors have had trouble too.

I don't know what made them suddenly like our yard so much. Any ideas?

She's watching back

Sitting at the dining table looking at one of the feeders I notice a female rose breasted grosbeak sitting on the bar. She eats a few sunflower seeds and then turns sideways on the bar and looks toward me. Pretty soon it's obvious that she is indulging in a little human watching.
I wonder if they keep life lists?