I have several dead branches “planted” in the backyard bird feeding area, and the birds love it when I fill the hollow notches with peanuts. It really is fun to watch them swoop down and grab a nut and then fly away fast. But, it you want to get a picture of the pilfering, you have to be focused and ready to fire because these culprits are quick.

The Nuthatches are frequent peanut partakers, like this White-breasted beauty…

…and his smaller Brown-headed sidekick.

Pine Warblers also stop in, but they are not quite as adept at the thievery, and in their haste to make a clean get-away they sometimes get clumsy.

Their smaller beaks just aren’t as good for grabbing, but have no fear, they are acrobatic little birds, and this one reclaimed his prize in mid-air.

It’s not just the little birds that pop in to snare a quick snack though, big fellas, like this Red-bellied Woodpecker, drop in too.

In fact, this guy came back for seconds! Truth be told, he came back for thirds as well!

And whatever happens to drop to the ground doesn’t go to waste with two Labramutts around!