100 More species #70: Tufted titmouse

Tufted titmouse Baeolophus bicolor

I could probably get a better shot of a titmouse, since they are among the most commonly seen winter birds in our area, but I feel some time pressure. Titmice are close cousins to the chickadee, with distinctive crests and what Cornell calls an "acrobatic" but "methodical" foraging style. This one is holding its crest down, a pose that memorably flummoxed a friend of mine: "They can DO that?" One of the strengths of Sibley's field guide is that it shows such confusing postures.

About half the time that I hear a high pitched bird call that I can't quite identify it turns out to be a titmouse.

3:00 snapshot #1127

On Thanksgiving day, Alexis and I picked up our friends in Somerville and took them to our other friend's house in Salem. Charlie and Turtle were also in attendance.

( thanksgiving story )

3:00 snapshot #1128