Timing: A Red-Breasted Nuthatch Revealed

“We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy, and bravery.”

– Mr. Edward Magorium, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

For WEEKS, I have been hearing new birds calling from the trees. They were distant at first but getting closer. The calls sounded like jubilant trumpeting from a birthday-party horn. I was familiar with the squeaky-toy sound of a brown-headed nuthatch’s call, but I should have checked to see what other types of nuthatches exist because of the similar sounds. I didn’t even know the red-breasted nuthatch exists until I saw one at the feeder this morning.

I actually did not have bird watching in my plans today, but I saw a red-bellied woodpecker at one of the feeders and got sucked into trying to snap a few pics of my visitors. The red-breasted nuthatch is the newest, but many of the regulars were here – Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker (or maybe hairy woodpecker, I’m still learning the differences), northern cardinal, blue jay, Carolina wren, pine warbler… The ruby-crowned kinglet has been here every day this week, arriving early and fighting his reflection in the windows throughout most of the day.

Even with all the visitors, I knew I had to pay attention to the message of the nuthatch. He stood out easily, but I also trust when my gut says, “That’s the one.”

While I sat outside, I realized I have a pattern or cycle with watching the birds, and I’m often most active when seasons change. Maybe it’s because of the birds’ migration habits and the new visitors that appear accordingly. That got me thinking about my patterns or habits that follow the lunar cycle. I reckon we have some things that we can rely on with great certainty that they will be as they always have been. And sometimes we can take action to break a pattern or end a habit.

To read about the nuthatch’s symbolism, I visited a few sites: Aunty Flo, The Light of Truth Chronicles, and A Rainbow of Spirituality. Between the three of them, I felt a connection to the ruby-crowned kinglet’s presence this week because each mentioned courage. They also mentioned leadership and addressing groups, changing perspectives, moving between phases, grounding, and agility.

On Pinterest, I ran across this about the nuthatch:

“When cute little Nuthatch shows up, it’s time to be sharp and aware. Pay attention to details, especially as you transition from one phase to another. She also teaches us to have faith in spiritual realms and will show up to let us know we are always supported by the Divine and Mother Earth.”

I feel called to be a messenger today, and this post is less about me understanding and sharing how the nuthatch is meant to guide me with my own life.

I hope if you read this post, then maybe the nuthatch’s visit was intended for you and its guidance helped you with what you need to shine your light.

Luceat lux vestra.