Has anyone noticed that Nuthatches appear to freeze for a few minutes every so often?
I was watching one earlier and it landed on a branch above the feeding post and just stayed there, moving its head now and again and keeping an eye on me but essentially, frozen still.
I've seen this before. Is it normal behaviour? Having a wee rest, sleep?
Uncropped photo, it let me this close (18-600mm)
He could be listening for any buggy movement in the nooks and crannies. Can't say I've noticed it myself, but will keep a watch in future
Lovely shot too
possible answer; ........ Birds will freeze if they spot a predator, maybe a sparrowhawk it's seen; they will remain motionless in order to prevent detection. I saw it once in our old garden when a treecreeper didn't move until the threat had gone. Play dead mode !!!
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Regards, Hazel
Very nice pic. Few years back there was a pied wagtail out in the carpark. All of a sudden it froze as there was a sparrowhawk around.
Morning all and thank you for all the input, thanks Hazel, you could well be right here but .... I've now seen this bird or a few of them, in this woodland and they all seem to just ..... do it. Now, I can't tell if there is a Sparrowhawk around at the time it happens, there's no shortage of them up here and I think it is the best reason. I think more research may be needed, I'd better go back up there a few time and watch them?