Rugged individualism and bitter cold

 White-breasted nuthatches, which are common in the Georgia Piedmont, are cavity nesters, the biologists say. These birds roost in holes in trees.

Terry W. Johnson, a retired wildlife biologist who writes a wonderful blog, says these birds usually roost alone. But in cold weather, they share space, as many as 29 birds in the same cavity.

I'm thinking of Johnson's observation because temperatures have been in the 20s at night in the Piedmont for a week.

People in the North will smile, but I say that’s cold.

Source: Johnson’s blog is called Backyard Wildlife Connection. His post on nuthatches is here: 

https://backyardwildlifeconnection.com/2023/11/22/backyard-secret-white-breasted-nuthatches-change-their-roosting-habits-in-extremely-cold-weather/