Bushtits

Juvenile bushtit (left) and adult male (right).

I came across a small group of darting birds in Victoria, BC.  They were bushtits, but something was different.  There was a juvenile, one that had just recently fledged.  It wasn't joining the others in their spasmodic ramblings, but rather seemed content perching in place.  I often come across bushtits but have never seen one so young.  The dark eye suggested it was a male, as was the adult I photographed.

Bushtits build remarkable hanging nests.  I have never seen one, but they resemble a small, long burlap sack with a hole at the top (click here to see one).  It takes them a month or so to build one.  I think it is amazing that a bird so small can construct such a unique and relatively large nest.  The nest is built using spider webs and plant material it finds, including bits from the tree it hangs in.  The same nest is used if a second brood is raised that year.

Females have light-coloured eyes.  I photographed one several years ago in Nanaimo.  You can see it in the image below.  Compare the eye with the male and chick above.

Female bushtit - notice the light-coloured eye.

I often see bushtits but rarely get good photos of them as they flit about with great gusto.  I was glad to come across the foraging group yesterday and excited to photograph the juvenile.  I may look to see if I can spot the nest, assuming it is in the same area.

Thanks for reading. 

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com