Cotswold nuthatches break with tradition

2:03pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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THIS family of nuthatches have, unusually, taken up residence in an old nesting box in the Cotswolds.

The birds are commonly found in woodland but experts say it is not unknown for nuthatches to nest in manmade boxes, such as this one on the front of a house in Burleigh, Minchinhampton.

Dr Simon Pickering, director of conservation and restoration at the Cotswold Water Park Society, said: "It's great that they are nesting, it's a sign of a healthy environment. If I had them in my garden I would be pretty excited.

"There will be good feeding around there but maybe a lack of a natural nesting environment."

The spot chosen by the nuthatches was the home of photographer Mark Giddings, who took these great pictures.