A couple of close  encounters of the Oak Titmouse kind occurred recently; today on a hike along Rattlesnake Canyon when I came upon a pair of parents feeding youngsters hidden inside the cavity of a trunk. The first encounter was in the Figueroa Campground, where I was able to record the bird with what seems to be three call variations.

(Oak Titmouse about to enter trunk cavity – Rattlesnake Canyon – Click image for larger version)

(Oak Titmouse checking out the area – Rattlesnake Canyon – Click image for larger version. I photographed the bird in the middle of a wing flutter. Possibly (this is a guess), the bird wanted to communicate alarm about my presence, but could not do so vocally with food in its beak. Needless to say, I left immediately after taking the photos.)

(Oak Titmouse grabbing a peanut – Figueroa Campground – Click image for larger version)

Click arrow to hear the recording of the Oak Titmouse.