What's going on, Albuquerque?

Bushtits for February, 2013

I didn't expect to see these cute little birds in the winter. They are so tiny it seems that they'd prefer a warmer climate this time of year. I've also noted that they like to flock together and act like life is a party, dancing and singing with each other and just having a great old time. On this Sunday, after taking pictures of an unusual bird on a fence, I continued to track down what bird was giving a whistling tweet that seemed to echo between various bushes in the front yards of some ordinary houses. Persistence pays because I finally saw them - bushtits!. They didn't seem to be worried about me, so I took a lot pictures. They also didn't seem to be very happy with life even though it was fairly warm. They were just busy eating, which I can understand. Here are some pictures

note the extraordinary tail

and finally for today:

I hope you're able to see some of these tiny handfuls. They are smaller than lesser goldfinches, but bigger than hummingbirds. Listen for the high-pitched whistle

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bosque Bill on February 24, 2013 at 11:41am

They are very cute and most times of the year travel in rag-tag mobs. During spring breeding you will only see them in pairs.

Permalink Reply by Bob W on February 24, 2013 at 1:09pm

Nice pictures Debby! Good job.

Permalink Reply by Debby S on February 25, 2013 at 5:47am

Thanks! Just listen for that hurried whistling sound, almost dee-dee dee-dee but sharper and eching all over the place.

Permalink Reply by Debby S on February 25, 2013 at 5:46am

"Rag-tag mobs" I love that! Balls of tiny feathers with a bit of attitude... there were at least two in this sighting that stuck fairly close to each other, then others in nearby pine-like trees and bushes. I imagine the were finding plenty to eat.

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