I live just below Hartland.  Not a single red-breasted nuthatch for the past few years until a few weeks ago, when one ate suet for a few days and then disappeared.  We always have white-breasted, year round, but less so as the weather gets warmer.  I haven't seen a family group this year, as I usually do.  All in all, less species than usual, perhaps 15 rather than my usual 25 on a summer day.

Marcia in Brownsville

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 13, 2013, at 6:07 PM, Jean Harrison <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Dear Vermont birders,
>    I am in Hartland just in June-September.  Usually I have continuous red-breasted nuthatches and intermittent white-breasted nuthatches at my sunflower feeders.  This Spring and Summer I have not seen a single nuthatch.  Is there a widespread scarcity, or is it just my bad luck here?  Any comments will be appreciated.
>        Jean Harrison