March 5, 2026
The Sky’s the Limit for This Birder
Fewer than 500 people worldwide have reported seeing this African bird – a blue-moustached bee-eater. Photo by Marc Chelemer By…
Nature Done Wright
Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
February 16, 2022
Whither All the Titmice?
A Record reader writes:
I enjoy feeding and watching the birds and wildlife in my backyard here in Norwood.
This year I have noticed a missing guest that has been a mainstay at my feeder for years.
The Tufted Titmouse is absent for the most part, and was wondering if you or anyone else has noticed this, too? Is there a reason or a disease that has wiped out the titmouse?
I would like to hear from you to see if anyone else has noticed this.
I responded that still see titmice on occasion, but perhaps not as often in the past.
How about you?
2 comments
-
A few years ago, a relative remarked on the dearth of Chickadees in her Westfield yard, which triggered me to notice the same in Madison. Chickadees remain way down from when we moved here more than 20 years ago. Now your post makes me realize that the Titmice are way down too. Unsettling….
-
I’ve been seeing titmice at my feeders in Englewood this winter. Lately, though, it’s mostly swarms of grackles, which chase all of my “little” birds away and eat all of the food. I fling open the back door and slam the screen, which chases all the birds. But all of my regulars just go into the nearby bush and quickly return to the feeders before the grackles start trickling back. The only good thing is that the grackles tend to spill a lot — so the mourning doves, cardinals, and a few others get to enjoy what has landed on the ground.
Leave your comment
Related Post
March 3, 2026
First Review: ‘The Peregrine Falcon’
I am pleased to share Booklist's magazine of my upcoming book... The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of…February 27, 2026
Revolutionary News!
On Thursday, the Allendale Borough Council plans to honor Founding Father John Fell, who was known as the "Great Tory…
February 20, 2026
World’s Largest Pigeon!
For a limited time only, The High Line in Manhattan is home to "Dinosaur," a huge statue of a pigeon…
2 comments
Diane L.
A few years ago, a relative remarked on the dearth of Chickadees in her Westfield yard, which triggered me to notice the same in Madison. Chickadees remain way down from when we moved here more than 20 years ago. Now your post makes me realize that the Titmice are way down too. Unsettling….
Nancy Passow
I’ve been seeing titmice at my feeders in Englewood this winter. Lately, though, it’s mostly swarms of grackles, which chase all of my “little” birds away and eat all of the food. I fling open the back door and slam the screen, which chases all the birds. But all of my regulars just go into the nearby bush and quickly return to the feeders before the grackles start trickling back. The only good thing is that the grackles tend to spill a lot — so the mourning doves, cardinals, and a few others get to enjoy what has landed on the ground.