Is that bird okay? What is he doing?
Most people have never seen this rare glimpse into the self-maintenance routinese of our feathered friends. This photo depicts a Tufted Titmouse that is neither hurt nor dead.
In fact, not only is he alive. . . he's performing a personal hygiene task. This behavior is known as sunning, which is as odd to see as the behavior known as "anting," whereby birds arrange themselves in a position that effectively addresses parasite infestation (or prevention).
See more images of American Robins, Downy Woodpeckers, Gray Catbirds, House Finches, Common Grackles, Blue Jays, White Breasted Nuthatches and more Tufted Titmice sunning Learn more about avian sunning and the stories behind the photos
The above photo is most likely an adult, but at this time of year, the youngsters are very difficult to separate from the adults. There is a subtle difference that you need to look for. Hint: compare the size of the eyes in relation to the rest of the face.
When the fledglings are still "fresh," its easier to pick out the adults, as their appearance and feathers show the wear and tear of countless trips in and out of their cavity nests.
