Can you spot the nut-stashing Nuthatch this autumn?

Dorking & District Local RSPB Group welcomes anyone interested in enjoying nature, this month they invite you to look for a nut-stashing Nuthatch.

Like Jays, Nuthatches also hoard food for the winter, pushing acorns, hazelnuts and seeds into gaps in the tree bark to save for a later date.

Their name is derived from the word ‘hack’, which reflects their habit of hammering or hacking at seeds and nuts that they wedge into tree bark to access the edible insides.

Look out for a small bird with a pointed peak that looks a little like a mini woodpecker. These dainty woodland-dwellers are blue-grey on top and pale orange underneath, with a bandit-like black swoosh over their eyes.  

Nuthatches are found in woodlands throughout Wales, much of England and southern Scotland. As the weather turns colder and particularly into late autumn, Nuthatches are more likely to visit gardens.  

New members are always welcome to join Dorking & District Local RSPB Group which covers Dorking, Leatherhead, Bookham, Epsom and Ewell. The group, which has around 100 members, enjoys more than 50 birdwatching and wildlife walks each year, close to home and further across the south east as well as trips around the country.

Non-members are invited to join walks or meetings, there is a small charge for non-members but they are free for all members.

If you want to get out in the fresh air and spend time in nature, get in touch via group.rspb.org.uk/dorkinganddistrict or through Facebook at facebook.com/groups/rspbdorkinganddistrict/.

Share