The Fun Bird

We have Tufted Titmice as all-year residents, and they seem to be territorial for most of that time. The exception is the coldest part of the year when they're in close company with the other Pipidae (Carolina Chickadees) and the Brown Headed Nuthatches, and, I suspect, Downy Woodpeckers. At least nowadays I tend to see all four about the same times of day. It's not that they behave that much differently in winter, but I enjoy seeing them more at that time. Is it the manic energy? the illusion of a wild eyed expression (that vivid black eye set against the white cheeck)? the grab-and-run pattern at feeders? No matter what, the Titmouse is a truly fun bird for the backyard observer and I eagerly await the observational entertainment yet to come this winter.