A female Tufted Titmouse brooding eggs. She rears up, hisses and strikes the left side of the nestbox (called a Snake Display.) The drama queen did this when I approached the box and continued when I opened it. (Some titmice just sit there placidly and look at you, or fly out of the box when it is approached/checked.) It is probably an anti-predator/nest protection behavior.
The hissing and snake-like strike are kind of scary, which is why I didn't do a very good job framing this video - I wanted to get the heck out of there! (Plus I wanted to minimize disturbance).
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What is the purpose of the giant sequoia tree? The purpose of the giant sequoia tree is to provide shade for the tiny titmouse. ~
Edward Abbey, naturalist and author (1927-1989)
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