Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - red-breasted nuthatch

[Steve_Kahl at fws.gov]

I heard a red-breasted nuthatch along the Ferguson Bayou Trail at
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge yesterday (8/8).  This trail runs
mainly through deciduous forested wetlands, shrublands, and croplands and
there is not a conifer within miles.  Perhaps an indication of a big
red-breasted nuthatch invasion this winter?

I also saw a female-plumaged purple finch at the refuge headquarters
feeders.

Steven Kahl
Refuge Manager
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI  48601-9783
P (989) 777-5930 ext 16
F (989) 777-9200
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/shiawassee/