The image is a close-up photograph of an Eurasian nuthatch (Sitta europaea) perched, upright, on a holly tree branch. It’s a plump bird, about the size of a great tit, roughly 14 cm in length, with a large head, short tail, blue-grey upperparts, a black eye-stripe, a chestnut-orange belly, and a short tail. The bold eye-stripe stretches from the base of its strong, pointed bill, through the eye, and down the side of its neck, giving it an alert, masked appearance. This is accentuated by the dappled light filtering into the shadowed depths of the dense holly tree. Shadows from branches cut through the highlights across the nuthatches face and upright stems of holly. It’s in an unusual pose for the species, sat upright, more like a robin would, showing off the warm coloured belly and flanks, that contrast against the blue-black shadows surrounding the bird.
Dappled Disguise #ShareMondays2026
I’ve been back to watch the #nuthatches in the #NaturalArea of #woodlands in #KewGardens this week. #nature #wildlife #birding #BirdOfTheDay @rbgkew.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @ldnwildlifetrust.bsky.social
