The tufted titmouse is a year-long resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and a frequent visitor to bird feeders. More visible in winter when there are fewer overall species, the titmouse could be easily overlooked in the summer, it’s splash of rust-colored side feathers in an otherwise gray and white outfit being admittedly dull against the bright hues of the spring warblers.
I found this individual at the end of an otherwise fruitless visit to a local park. My timing was, perhaps, a bit early in the season for the species I had hoped to find. And truthfully, titmice weren’t on my mind at all, which made the chance encounter with this individual all the more delightful. He was focused on singing from a small grove of birch trees, and remained within easy range, allowing me to collect some excellent photos before he finally moved on.