At least one pair of titmice are daily visitors at our feeders just north of the Bill Riley Trail, Raccoon River, and Water Works Park in Des Moines. This year I've seen only one at a time. Last winter both birds showed up regularly.
Titmice are noticeable spring singers in Water Works and westward on the Riley Trail into Ashworth Park. I would guess that there are at least two pair around. It could be that more than two birds are coming to the feeders, but they are difficult to tell individually, unless it's a new-crop bird with a rounded crest that isn't fully developed. And there have been some of those. I guess I would conclude that last winter there were at least three birds, two adults and one juvenile. This winter it's much less clear, as I've not seen a juvenile at all. It's easy to take titmice for granted with such good viewing opportunities and great habitat nearby. Whatever Water Works undertakes in its revamp of the park, I hope that it includes habitat improvements, and not habitat destruction. There are too many great species here, whether migratory, breeding, winter, or resident. Lee Searles --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
