Here is a little nuthatch who, along with his or her mate, has claimed a small nest cavity hanging from our front porch.
This box has been used by chickadees before, but never nuthatches.
I don’t know if it means anything, but this guy is a bit ragged. You can see a little bit of a cowlick at the back of his head, and if you look closely, some of his feathers are a bit out of place. I’ve seen nesting birds show signs of fatigue and maybe bad hygiene, but it’s generally after the nestlings have hatched and it is time to feed them all day long to the point of exhaustion.
Fortunately, there is abundant food nearby, but I am hopeful that he hasn’t picked up anything that will put him at risk when he’s needed most.