Tufted Titmouse birdhouse activity followed right after the Eastern Bluebirds finished using my backyard nest box. First, the bluebirds raised their young. Then a pair of Tufted Titmice moved in and gave me another close look at nesting behavior.
Tufted Titmouse Birdhouse Activity After the Bluebirds
The Eastern Bluebirds had already raised their young in this birdhouse. I had watched their story unfold in several stages, from Eastern Bluebird Nest Building to A Female Eastern Bluebird in her Birdhouse.
I also photographed their feeding work in Male and Female Eastern Bluebird Feeding Strategies and their cleanup behavior in Eastern Bluebirds: Fecal Sac Removal.
After that, I watched for new activity around the box.
In April, a pair of Tufted Titmice began checking it out. They hopped and fluttered near the entrance. Before long, they claimed the birdhouse.
A Tufted Titmouse is easy to recognize by its small size and raised crest. These birds often use natural tree cavities, but they will also use nest boxes.
This box has a 1.25-inch entrance hole, which seemed to suit them.
The female does most of the nest building. She brings in material such as moss, leaves, bark, and animal hair. That soft lining helps prepare the nest for eggs and young birds.
Tufted Titmouse eggs are creamy white with speckles. A clutch usually has 3 to 9 eggs. The female incubates them for about 12 to 14 days.
The male stays active during that time. He guards the area and brings food to the female.
By the time I photographed this bird on June 6, the eggs should have been close to hatching.
Photographing the Nest Box From My Deck
I photographed this Tufted Titmouse from my deck in Lavaca, Arkansas. That gave me a clear view without crowding the birdhouse.
I like this kind of setup because I can watch behavior as it happens. The deck gives me a steady vantage point, but I still need to stay quiet and patient.
The bird paused at the entrance with its bill open. That small moment helped show the energy around the nest box.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
- Date and time: June 6, 2023, 12:25 p.m.
- Exposure mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/2000
- ISO: 2500, Auto
- Exposure compensation: +0.3
- Focal length: 500 mm
Why This Backyard Birdhouse Visit Stayed With Me
I enjoy photographing wildlife in wild places, but backyard moments can be just as rewarding. This birdhouse has let me follow two different nesting stories in one season.
The bluebirds gave me the first chapter. The Tufted Titmice brought the next one.
Watching them use the same space reminded me how much life can pass through one small box. A simple birdhouse can become a front-row seat to nesting, feeding, and new life.