Tufted Titmouse...For Gail

Tufted Titmouse are commom in Eastern deciduous forests and a frequent visitor to backyard bird feeders, especially in winter. Titmouse prefer sunflower seeds, although they will eat suet, peanuts and other seeds. They build their nests in cavities, putting up nest boxes is a good way to attract breeding Titmice to your yard. They are a soft silvery gray above and white below with rusty or peach colored wash down the flanks and a black patch just above the bill. Very entertaining to watch. You will see their assertive side come out when they are with smaller birds like the Sparrow, below. (information taken from http://www.birdsource.org./gbbc/ ) I watched this Titmouse go around and around the feeder squawking at all of the Sparrows to leave.

All he really accomplished was getting the Sparrows all excited and

squawking at each other. That's the Titmouse behind the Sparrow on the right, eating peacefully while the Sparrows were arguing...hmm, know anyone like that?

Posted for Gail at http://clayandlimestone.blogspot.com/ drop by and tell her I said, "Hi." She has a beautifully photographed and written blog about her quest for filling her gardens with native plants.

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Today I am Thankful for learning about our birds. I am also inviting you to check out The Great Backyard Bird Count at http://www.birdsource.org./gbbc/ it will be Feb. 18 - 21, 2011. Hey, if you are watching birds anyway, might as well print out the form, note your observations and submit them. It's free and helps keep track of the birds and their migration habits.