To survive for very long in the wild, animals need to stay alert and be ready for fight or flight at a moments notice. That’s especially true if you are a small, potential prey species. For that reason, songbirds are always cautious wherever they go and they are very easily startled by noise or movement, especially sudden movement. One of the skills that successful naturalists have to learn is how to move as quietly as possible in the woods, and to move slowly when encountering wildlife. This little tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) heard a noise in the woods behind me and was in immediate full attention mode. Even though the bird was startled and nervous, I couldn’t help but think that elevated crest of feathers on his head was absolutely adorable and deserved a photo. In a few minutes, when nothing happened, he relaxed again and went about his birdy business.