Bird spotting!

I spotted a Velvet-fronted Nuthatch recently in the Palani hills. It was searching for its feed from the trunk, where insects are usually found. 

It kept the feed between the bills for a short while before consuming it.  The grey body and white underbelly with the crimson bills gave it its splendid look. 

It is a small bird which is often missed except when they appear on the trunks and branches of trees during feed times. At other times they are hidden from sight, as they move between leaves. 

Although the pictures are not crisp and the exposure not appropriate, I felt good to have been able to spot one of these birds, that I have not come across in the planes. I knew about this bird from bird watchers who pointed out that they can be found in the coffee plantations. The name is derived from its habit of cracking nuts by hammering them at the tree trunk and 'hatch' out the seed form the shell. They can be tree creepers climbing from below upwards. 

I found it delightful to watch it as it moved briskly and upward like a climber. Its body was well groomed and shining. that added to its specialness. 

I noticed that small birds move about, away from the flight path of bigger birds. 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)