I loved this pic from the beginning, but never really thought about it. In looking at it more, I have a question. If the Nuthatch was on the branch in the photo in the beginning (Hey, it had to be - otherwise it would not be in focus!), it looks like he "just fell off" or is actually landing. It reminds me of what might happen when someone jumps from an airplane and has yet to flair out their arms for the free-fall phase. Almost all birds I know "lift off" using flapping wings first. Here I think I see "free-fall" first and suspect the wings were flared shortly thereafter.

Am I seeing it right - push off, then flare wings - or really what did I see? It is a great and very unusual pic in any case, but do some birds do the drop-then-flap thing? I really am curious! Thanks! Please either reply here or to the list that drove you here!

Hey, it's cool anyway for the great looks at the hind-toe that allows the WB Nuthatch to go upside down on a tree!