Even though I have taken Juniper Titmouse images, this titmouse species is still a bit of a nemesis bird for me. I just don’t see them as much as I would like.
Juniper Titmouse close up in a juniper – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I recognize the calls of this species in the field immediately. Finding them ‘by ear’ is my most used method. These titmice can be difficult to spot, though, because they move fast, blend into the shadows of the trees, and they don’t hang around for long.
In December of 2017, I found this Juniper Titmouse in the campgrounds of Simpson Springs, way out in the West Desert. I was surprised to find a single titmouse; typically, I find them foraging in flocks. Being able to take this close-up of the titmouse in a juniper was a major thrill for me.
Juniper Titmouse in Mercur Canyon – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Most of the time, when I see Juniper Titmice, they are off in the distance, like this one was in Mercur Canyon, also in December of 2017. I still liked this image because it shows how I usually see this species.
I have learned that when I hear this species in junipers, to stop immediately—not 25 feet up the road, but immediately. Then I locate them visually and only move my Jeep if necessary.
If I do need to move my vehicle, I know I need to do it super fast, or they will be gone.
That old saying, “he who hesitates, is lost,” applies 100% to this species. I can’t even count the number of times I have missed out on opportunities with Juniper Titmice. It is simply that many.
Oh, one more tip: Drive slowly through Juniper forests or you will miss them. If you have to back up to find them, they are in the wind.
Juniper Titmice are year-round residents in northern Utah. I sincerely wish I could find them more often than I do.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Juniper Titmouse photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful shots! The detail and the eye-contact…perfect. Thanks Mia.
So glad you shared these shots today. We have a huge juniper in our yard, but alas, no Juniper Titmice — not even one who is severely lost.
Nice capture, they are hard. I have seen them around Zion, no decent photos. The most I have seen was Mesa Verde campground. I did not have my camera gear I have now.
What a treat – for you, and for us.
This portrait is dandy! With the blue-gray bird and the blue-gray juniper berries, and that bright, knowing eye.
Nice! This cute bird has been eluding me for ever.