© 2006 Heather Dieter Bartmann ... Science Art-Birds

Title: Tree Hunt
Species: White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) on Boxelder
Artist: Heather Dieter Bartmann (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 00" x 00"
Media: acrylic
Date: 2007
Private collection

The artist notes: "In Laporte, Colorado there is a lovely little park by the river where a bird watcher can usually find entertainment. Winter is great for the lack of leaves. Trees become sculptures and birds are easy to view. As he squirreled down trees looking for food the Nuthatch seemed to follow me through the woods. As is often my policy, any bird who is that persistent, risks becoming the subject of a painting."

Snags are important for cavity-nesting birds like the White-breasted Nuthatch. Although the bird is common and widespread in North America, it can still be a challenge for those trying to provide effective protection. That requires conserving the large snags these birds prefer--those with rough surfaces capable of sheltering insects, or hiding the nuts and seeds these birds cache.