A different kind of workbench

[HARO]

We all have our favourite workbenches, some slapped together on a strict budget, some costing as much as a small car. This one, however, is a bit different! We feed the wild birds here, and I like to watch them go about their daily routines and occasionally take pictures. Over the past eight months or so, I've noticed some strange behaviour. It began with a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches, and recently a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches have started using the same tactics, Our main feeder is a wooden one, rather rustic, with split birch branches edging the tray. One corner has a tapered gap between the two branch ends, and this now serves as a crude 'vise'. A bird will swoop down, grab a sunflower seed, jump over to that corner and place the seed in the gap. He (or she) will then hammer away at the trapped seed until the husk splits, whereupon the husk is tossed aside, and the bird flies off with its prize. This is repeated countless times a day, yet there is never a squabble over who gets the 'workbench'. They wait their turn, almost as if they had a schedule planned out! Who are you calling a 'birdbrain'?

John

 

[j.w]

Wow smart little birdies!

 

[poconojoe]

Clever little guys!
Your "birdbrain" remark is funny too!