Bushtit
March 2013 – Hillsboro, Oregon
For years, the plum tree in our backyard hasn’t produced anything. For some reason, this spring, a flock of bushtits were all over the tree when it was in bloom – on multiple days. Now it’s July, and… we have tons of plums. Coincidence? or are bushtits just great pollinators?
Bushtit
September 2012 – Jackson Bottom – Hillsboro, Oregon
I intercepted a group of Bushtits, who obliged me by picking through a trailside tree for a few minutes. These tiny birds are pretty entertaining as they assume every conceivable pose and position.
Bushtit
July 2011 – Hillsboro, Oregon
A flock of these Bushtits were swarming a tree in my backyard in Portland in July 2011. Anyone who’s noticed these tiny, energetic birds will know how they almost always exist in flocks of 10 to 20 birds… ceaselessly darting to and fro, and chattering non-stop. It’s unusual to see one rest for a little while and fluff its feathers like this. This one was staying warm in the afternoon sun… The birds were pretty oblivious to my presence. I should also point out that these birds are particularly responsive to hearing their species song played back to them. That random chattering really gets them excited; though, it’s best to do this kind of thing in moderation, as it can add a bit of stress to an already-fragile little creature.