Not based on true events

Mr. RBNU was not a jealous fellow, though, at the same time, he could not bear injustice, especially injustice to himself. He, and Mrs. RBNU had long ago found a grate feeder filled to the brim with suet and fat, and it was their chief pleasure to visit it and partake of its gifts. What a pair they made, these Red-breasted Nuthatches, with their cocky caps (black in the case of Mr.RBNU) and their ruddily painted bellies and smoky blue backs! And they even made a better pair with their constant chattering, peeping and chirping to each other. But there was no peeping or chirping today, for they were at the suet, pecking hungrily at it’s delightful strands and bits. At first, all was well and dandy, each being content with their share, but then, in an ill-fated moment, Mr. RBNU caught sight of his mate-and there was a sizable strand of suet in her bill. With this she would have, in another moment, flown off, had not Mr. RBNU flitted like a flash of light in front of her and greedily took hold of the loose end of the strand and yanked. Mrs. RBNU yanked back just at determinedly, and there they were, clinging sideways on the grate with the suet pulled taunt between them. They gave another yank, and another, each determined to win the prize. I am afraid they did not realize how foolish they looked, and they would not have cared if they had. The strand between them was extended to its utmost length when, suddenly it snapped with a “ pink!” and off the two birds tumbled in opposite directions, only just catching themselves in mid-air, and flying off indignantly with a half of the suet strand in each of their bills. I am afraid that there was much less chattering between them many a day after, but now, thankfully, I hear their eager little conversation in the tree. Perhaps next time they will share the suet instead of fighting over it.

Red-breasted Nuthatches
Sitta canadensis

This nuthatch is a tiny bird with a giant personality! Hyper-active, and super vocal, they bring the light of spring and summer to a winter feeder, and a drop of humour to a snowy walk. During these March days, the more brightly-painted males make all sorts of noises on top of high trees and any elevated area, probably to attract a mate and defend a territory. These nuthatches fiercely guard their nesting tree, whether the intruder is a nuthatch or not. I have once witnessed a pair chasing off chickadees like mad things in the springtime. A native species.