As a Wildlife Photographer in Arkansas, I’m fortunate to have a regular visitor to my yard, the Tufted Titmouse. These birds are a delight to observe and photograph, with their distinctive tufted head and small size.
Compared to the Pine Warbler, which I shared photos of in my previous blog post, the Tufted Titmouse is a more frequent visitor to my yard. However, they can be quite challenging to photograph as they are quick to grab a sunflower seed and fly away to eat it in nearby trees.
To capture a shot of these elusive birds, I’ve found that having multiple birds at my feeder can be helpful. The Tufted Titmouse will often stay a few seconds longer in the presence of other birds, giving me a chance to snap a photo.
Aside from their photogenic qualities, Tufted Titmice have interesting characteristics and behaviors. These birds are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like a whistled peter-peter-peter. They are also known to cache their food, hiding it in crevices or under bark for later consumption.
Tufted Titmice are also non-migratory birds, meaning they stay in Arkansas year-round. They are common in deciduous forests and are known to form flocks during the winter months.
In conclusion, the Tufted Titmouse is a beautiful and fascinating bird that makes for a rewarding subject in wildlife photography. While they may be more challenging to photograph than some other bird species, their frequent visits to my yard and unique behaviors make it all the more worthwhile.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
I photographed the Tufted Titmouse from inside my pickup parked in my driveway. I had my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over an open window.
- Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: March 7, 2023 (09:21 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 640 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm