Nuthatch nest building - Chatsworth

Came across this Nuthatch using dead leaves to line the nest void at Chatsworth this morning. The hole in the tree has been much larger and the Nuthatch have filled it with mud to get the preferred entrance size. This behaviour is only found in one other bird family the unrelated hornbills of tropical Africa and Asia.

Nuthatch

Nuthatch - Bent Lane

I had high expectations for today as it was a reasonable weather forecast but the day was rather disappointing. 
I had my first Stonechat of the year on Beeley which is not easy at the moment but it was distant. The weather deteriorated and apart from a couple of Raven the moor was very quiet.
Headed off to Cromford Meadows with Ken and Mel on reports of twenty Hawfinch yesterday. Five were seen early morning but there was no sign whilst we were there so another attempt tomorrow may be in order.
The sun was shining by late morning and I found an obliging Nuthatch on Bent Lane in the afternoon. Roll on Spring!
James and I went to Donna Nook last Sunday and took some reasonable Grey Seal photos and also called in to see the Black-throated Diver in Cleethorpes there are a few photos on his website and my Flickr site.

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

Despite poor light this Nuthatch has come out OK.

Nuthatch

Nuthatch

James took this, great pose and very sharp.

Nuthatch

Nuthatch - Darley Dale

A pair of Nuthatch were actively feeding together in the Whitworth Park this morning, now they are pairing up they seem a little more approachable. James took this photograph.

Nuthatch