This Morning Outside

by Diane Porter

July 19, 2010
Close at hand at Birdwatching Dot Com
Fairfield, Iowa

For weeks I've been slowly earning the trust of a pair of bluebirds who are nesting here for the first time. Then suddenly a tufted titmouse shows up. Titmouse looks me in the eye and comes straight up to my table for mealworms. On the third day it takes a mealworm from my hand.

Meanwhile, the bluebirds watch in what looks to me like disbelief.

Photo copyright 2010 Michael and Diane Porter

Tufted titmice are intelligent, adventurous birds. They're quick to see an unusual opportunity and take advantage of it. And they're quick! Compared to titmice, the bluebirds seem positively staid.

It's pretty obvious that this titmouse is feeding young. After it grabs a mealworm or three off the table next to me, it flies around the corner of the house. I'd like to know where its nest is.

—Diane Porter

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