The Tufted Titmouse, with its conical crown and huge black eyes, is the ultimate cute cartoon bird. We are on the extreme northern edge of their range, so they are not that common but seem to be increasing in numbers.
The word “titmouse” is derived from the old English words “tit,” meaning small, and “mase,” meaning “small bird,” so their name redundantly means “small small bird.” Like their relatives the Black-capped Chickadees, they will eat from your hand, typically in a grab-and-go fashion. This photo was taken at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
About Bob:
Robert (Bob) Bell is an exploration geologist who had to retire after contracting Lyme disease. After settling in Ancaster, he quickly discovered the therapeutic benefits of birding as a coping mechanism for dealing with his chronic pain and illness. He is the author of “Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight: Birding as Therapy for the Chronically Ill.” Bob is passionate about sharing his joy of birds and birding, and has given a number of talks on this subject on behalf of BurlingtonGreen. He would be delighted to have you follow his book and birding activity, by sending a friend request to https://www.facebook.com/TheBirderBob/, or by following him on Twitter at @ThebirderBob, BlueSky at @thebirderbob.bsky.social, or Instagram, @thebirderbob.
