Dependable Entertainment

Our resident members of genus paridae, the Tufted Titmice and Carolina Chickadees are among the most reliable and entertaining visitors during these fall doldrums. There are many species that I have not seen since August, but these lively characters remain firm. This is about the time when they--and their allies in the nuthatch family--will band together for winter foraging, and while I have seen all three this month I am not entirely certain they're collaborating. However, they are doing plenty of grab-and-go pillaging at the feeders. This Titmouse, for example, enjoys the suet nuggets I have placed out. I am amused that the relative size of the nugget does not discourage the bird at all! October will not be so bleak as long as they're in the neighborhood.