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The blue-gray White-breasted Nuthatch is named so due to its habit of smashing nuts and acorns into tree bark and poking them with its pointed bill to extract the seeds. It may be small, but its loud nasal call is hard to miss. -
Pyrocephalus — the genus for the Vermilion Flycatcher — means “fire-headed,” certainly an apt name for the brilliant-colored male. And “flycatcher”? Yes. These smallish birds (4.8 to 5.4 inches in length) swoop in and catch flying insects on the wing — from flies and wasps to beetles and butterflies. -
Tree Swallows — a familiar sight from Alaska and Canada to Mexico — like to nest in tree cavities or nest boxes. They feast primarily on insects and occasionally on berries, too. -
With its reddish-brown cap and long tail often raised at an angle, the Rufous-capped Warbler can be found in Mexico and Guatemala, and sometimes into south Texas and Arizona. It feeds primarily on insects and favors weedy, brushy areas near woodlands. -
Rufous Hummingbirds can be found in southern Alaska down through a large part of the western U.S. and Mexico. Watch out, other hummingbirds! The feisty Rufous is not afraid to chase away even the bigger guys. -
Rufous Hummingbirds can be found in southern Alaska down through a large part of the western U.S. and Mexico. Watch out, other hummingbirds! The feisty Rufous is not afraid to chase away even the bigger guys. -
Rufous Hummingbirds can be found in southern Alaska down through a large part of the western U.S. and Mexico. Watch out, other hummingbirds! The feisty Rufous is not afraid to chase away even the bigger guys. -
Look for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak in woodlands and forest edges. True to its name, the male sports a bright pink patch on its breast and a large triangular bill. -
In summer, the Red-eyed Vireo resides in forests of the Eastern United States, but heads south to the Amazon basin come autumn. The male can sing his song 20,000 times a day. -
To deter other birds or predators, the resourceful Red-breasted Nuthatch might apply a sticky layer of tree resin to the entrance of its nest, then avoid the trap by flying directly through the opening. They can climb headfirst down tree trunks or hang upside down from branches while foraging for insects or seeds.
ABOUT
Paul Nelson’s stunning photographs are just the beginning. He and Stacy Fortier, his wife and business partner, have expanded the images into distinctive textile designs for accessories and home decor. The approach is modern yet vintage, cutting edge yet timeless, relaxed yet polished.
© Paul Nelson Photography