Nuthatch, White-Breasted 



To a Nuthatch 



Shrewd little haunter of woods all gray, 

 Whom I meet on my walk of a winter day 

 You're busy inspecting each cranny and hole 

 In the ragged bark of yon hickory bole; 

 You intent on your task, and I on the law 

 Of your wonderful head and gymnastic claw! 



The woodpecker well may despair of this feat 

 Only the fly with you can compete! 

 So much is clear; but I fain would know 

 How you can so reckless and fearless go, 

 Head upward, head downward, all one to you, 

 Zenith and nadir the same in your view. 



EDITH M. THOMAS. 



NUTHATCH, RED-BREASTED 



This bird is smaller than the white-breasted nuthatch, 

 and can be recognized at a glance by the stripes on its 

 head, and the reddish brown of its breast. 



FLORENCE A. MERRIAM. Birds of Village and Field. 1 



The notes of this species, though similar to the white- 

 breasted, are sharper, resembling day day dait, and sound- 

 ing almost like a child's trumpet. Its motions are also 

 quicker. 



Nuttall's Ornithology. 26 



98 



