A pair of them recently took up residence in one of our birdhouses. http://ncmountainwoman.blogspot.com/2009/04/nuthatches-sublet-to-titmice.html)
We've been delighted to watch them with their courtship display and nest building.
Imagine our surprise when we noticed another pair of titmice investigating a decorative gourd we have hanging in the trees. The gourd is not well designed for nesting, and we never thought any bird would use it. We simply thought it attractive with its leather leaves.
At first we thought perhaps the pair in the other house had decided to move. But as we watched, we realized there were two pairs of titmice, nesting in the same (albeit large) tree.
The gourd is so close to the deck, we can hear the movements inside. What a delightful sound to hear the fluttering as the titmouse arranges the leaves and moss she has brought inside for the nest. We know the nest is almost complete. We have seen the titmouse grabbing the Golden Retriever hair we place in the trees.
We've never had a titmouse in any of our nesting boxes. What a treat to have two pairs to observe.
20 comments:
That's so neat to watch! I hope you keep us posted on their nesting. It's special that they add fur from your dogs to their nests.
Awww, how cool! They are some of my favorite birds - they are just so pretty and sweet and soft looking. I look forward to future posts as they raise their families next to your deck!
That is great they have taken up residence in your box. This will be fun to see how the nesting unfolds! I would leave dust bunnies and cat fur out for the birds to use for nesting!
That is really so cool. I love the inventiveness of using the gourd for a nesting spot. Very sweet photos, as always.
Oh how fun t have them so close by to watch. I've never seen any titmice around here ... just checked the bird book and no, they are in our end of the country
I love watching the birds at our house, too. You've gotten some great photos of them!
What a treat, I agree! Thanks for sharing your nesting birds with all of us who don't have springtime in our lives yet!
This is so amazing! The birds are so cute and to watch them court and prepare for their little ones is definitely a treat in itself!
Wait till the babies come! That is going to be one exciting time for you :)
Beautiful pictures to look at, especially given the awful weather we are having here in NY today. Cute little critters, birds are.
That next to last shot is wonderful. And to be able to hear the movement inside the nest must be fascinating. good for you!
It is neat to have 2 sets. I know what you mean about being so close you can hear their movements. It is so exciting when that happens.
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Awwww... how neat! Lucky you indeed!
The bird in the gourd is so cute. I would be glued to the action if it were in my yard.
How wonderful! It's so nice that the bird house is close and you can watch all the comings and goings.
I love their song.
Hugs,
Donna
How wonderful that you have a titmouse community in a single tree. I'll look forward to more pictures as the season goes on.
These pics are so endearing! That is what I miss in the city!
You are so lucky to have not one, but two birdhouses filled with nesting titmouses. I'm so jealous but keep us posted with photos.
Thanks, everyone for commenting. Both titmice couples are still showing courtship behavior with the females shaking their tails and flirting. They are indeed fun to watch.
They are so adorable. And what a lovely nesting gourd! They're one of my favorite little birds. When I brush the doggies and throw their hair at the edge of the garden or anywhere I can watch, it's always a pair of Titmouses to discover the hair first!
Seeing that beautiful gourd... lol - I'm laughing right now at the absolutely hideous "quick fix" I had to come up a few days ago because a pair of Wrens were determined to nest in the garage area (again.) So, I cleaned out and cut holes in two dried gourds and strapped them behind the 40 year old basketball goal that's attached to the house over the garage, and I shut the garage door all day. They finally took to it - AFTER I put two straw brooms up there to make it nice and messy for them. Thank goodness no one can see it but the Wrens and me!
Carolun: What neat photos of this little bird.
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