For some reason I really enjoy being able to photograph a bird when its namesake habitat is obvious in the photo.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I came across this Juniper Titmouse yesterday morning in the foothills of the Stansbury Mountains. Typical of the species it was frantically flitting from perch to perch deep inside a juniper tree. It gave me a fleeting moment on this relatively exposed perch before it moved on.
These plain, gray birds are known for their drabness – in fact that trait is useful as a field mark when combined with the small crest. Their range is largely restricted to the piñon-juniper woodlands of the intermountain west so I thought some of my readers might be interested in seeing a species they may not be familiar with. Until recently this bird and the almost identical Oak Titmouse were considered to be the same species and the two are most easily distinguished by their geographic ranges which almost never overlap.
I’m a bird photographer rather than a birder and I’m prone to make that distinction largely because I don’t keep “lists”. That said, I must admit that since this is my first decent image of the species I consider it to be a “lifer” and that pleases me.
Ron
I have a real soft spot for these little guys. They are curious and relatively unafraid. Whenever I think I hear a “new” bird, it turns out to be a Titmouse…
Thanks, again Ron. This is a particularly beautiful image…of bird and background…everything’s works….
For some reason, this photo really pleases me. Ron – your photography, passion, and sharing of all really adds to my birding/life! You are amazing! I rarely respond..but something about this Juniper Titmouse….! Thanks
Beautiful. I’ve seen this species flitting around inside junipers, but they rarely stop long enough to get a photo!
I love this photo! And I also really love the Juniper in the juniper! So great that he actually held still for a second. I’ve only seen these a few times in Arches and Zion N.P. and one in Paradise, AZ, and certainly haven’t been able to get a good photo of one. But I guess I should be happy I’ve seen them as it sounds like many have not.
I’ve never seen one of these Ron. Great shot.
Thank you, all. I figured that this bird was new to some of you and I’m glad you enjoyed seeing it. The only photos I had of the species showed the bird so small in the frame that it was even difficult to identify so I was happy to get this one.
An amazing ‘little grey job’. Thank you. And I love the crest (minature unicorn or rhino look).
A great photo of a great bird! I’ve never seen a Juniper Titmouse in such detail. Sure is a treat!
Very pretty – I’ve never seen one before. I enjoy watching the tufted titmouse here at my feeders; they love the peanuts.
Great shot Ron! Very interesting info. I have never seen one before,.
Charlotte
Absolutely perfect photo … and he’s just precious.
What a whimsical expression on its face – love it!