Several noisy Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) were frantically foraging in the trees on Wednesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I tried to track them as they moved in and out of the branches, but they turned out to be remarkably swift and elusive. However, I am pretty persistent and eventually managed to capture several shots of these little gray birds with their distinctive crests.
The first shot below was a really lucky one. The titmouse had perched momentarily on an exposed branch and I pounced on the opportunity to get a clear shot. Just as I started to click the shutter release, the bird took off. Somehow I captured the moment when the bird’s wings were fully extended, but its feet were still on the branch. The titmouse appeared to be looking right at me in an almost defiant way, as though he were ready to challenge me.
The second shot provides a good look at the beautiful markings of the Tufted Titmouse. You can see its black forehead and the wonderful orangish wash under its wings. I also really like the titmouse’s pensive pose as it turned towards the sun, trying to absorb some of its warmth on a cold winter day.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I don’t see a challenge in the first photo — I see a bird taking a bow!
I can see that too. Interpreting the actions of wildlife creatures is like looking at cloud shapes–we often inject a bit of our own thoughts and feelings into what we see. 🙂
Phenomenal shot of those wings!
Fantastic take off shot! I’ll take luck anytime it heads my way when photographing birds!!!
That first image is wonderful, Mike. We see these guys around here, but I love that shot. He looks like a much bigger bird.
I really enjoyed these photos a lot, Mike. We don’t get the tufted titmouse on the west coast, we get the oak titmouse, which is equally as beautiful but without the orange. I especially liked the wings in the first photo, revealing the sky showing through his diaphanous wings. And the second image was also a treat, with this elegant pose and hopeful tree buds.
Superb detail
Love that captured moment of flight ! Thanks Mike.
Beautiful light and great capture
Those wings! He is a beautiful little bird, and you captured him perfectly. 🙂
Fantastic captures,Mike.
Great images and Terrific Title!
Great images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!