It is a beautiful day! The birds are singing and calling my name. Shhhh—don’t tell anyone that I am taking pix instead of working on the magazine!
Worm-Eating Warbler. (I knew Margot would ask!)
The butt of a Titmouse. (I knew Julie would ask!)
I was not the only one who was watching the birds!
The flower is beautiful, we are a long way off from seeing anything like that here in Michigan. Is that bird really called a “Worm-eating Warbler” ? While I am asking why did they name that bird a “titmouse?”
Julie, do you think I would risk making up such a name when I have to answer to you, Margot and Judy???
Yes, it really is a Worm-Eating Warbler. As for the Titmouse—I really do not know how that little bird got its name. His official name is actually Tufted Titmouse.
Makes one think … are there other types of Warblers? Titmouse … makes one chuckle and come up with all sorts of images in one’s mind :~) None of them being a bird!
Yes, there are other types of Warblers—at least a few dozen.
Judy, I am certain that the Titmouse has given you all sorts of images—none being a bird!
Thank you for the laugh!
One wonders if the other Warblers eat worms??
Yes, other Warblers eat worms—this one must be the specialist to have claimed the name!
So, hmmmmm, a worm eating specialist – do they all warble then? Hee, hee, hee!
That is an absolutely beautiful cat – Is she any particular kind?
Thanks, Karen. Sally is a lynx-point Siamese cross. She and one tiny kitten were dumped on our road a few years ago. Sally is Kayla’s favorite cat.
Lovely photos and Sally is beautiful, and focused as a GSD. Must have picked it up from Kayla. JH
We’re still a long way from the warbler migration here, but the questions on the titmouse name got me wondering, so here’s what 1000birds.com says (by the way, it’s a interesting site)
“….. A bird in the genus Baeolophus is neither a mouse nor…the other thing. The word titmouse descends from the Old English terms, tit (any small animal or object) and mase (small bird), essentially meaning one small, small bird. Though there is nothing inherently prurient about this critter’s cognomen, it’s within the realm of possibility that even the mere utterance of it inspires twittering and naughty feelings in some individuals, and is thus best avoided. It is worth pointing out that titmice belong to the family Paridae, an expansive international clan made up primarily of what we call “chickadees” in the states but are known as “tits” in the Old World. What do you expect of those decadent, debauched Europeans…..”
oops, should be 10000birds.com
Garth, you rock! Thank you :~) And chickadee sounds … better! “decadent, debauched Europeans” now that makes me twitter!
That is very funny and very well written! Thank you Garth for finding that and sharing it. Like Judy I will stick with Chickadee.