Wildlife behavior question: Tufted Titmouse pecking in gutter

This little guy has been flying back and forth for days between our neighbor's house and ours, creating a real racket for hours on end. I was sure at first it was a big woodpecker on the side of the house, but when I went out to see, I discovered it was a diminutive Titmouse pecking furiously inside a gutter! Why? What on Earth is he doing? I know a bit about wildlife and birds, but this one has me stumped. He has 3 sources of available water, so he's not after standing water / melted ice that may be up there. The Titmice are also well fed around here.

Has anyone else also encountered this behavior? Or do we just have one neurotic little bird hanging around?

(Ridiculous answers to this avian anomaly are also fully expected and fine lol.)

Rebecka ✉
Dec '16

Well I'll be dog gone. That makes perfect sense, GC. And here I thought I'd just get funny replies.

This forum continues to amaze me. It seems one can get the answer to *any* question here. Someone should start a "What is the meaning of life?" thread. We'd probably get to the bottom of it!

Rebecka ✉
Dec '16

Rebecka

Well the answer to life, the Universe and everything is "42", but then the specific question to all that was never found, though I think that's what the Dolphins were here for. If I remember correctly, that is (from "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish").

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_Long,_and_Thanks_for_All_the_Fish

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy

Phil D. ✉
Dec '16

Rebecka, you can find out the meaning of life in the Barnes & Noble clearance bin for $4.99. Also, 5 ways to find happiness. Perhaps the meaning of life and happiness are mutually exclusive. Or not...

maja2 ✉
Dec '16

I have experience in many things, and when possible, will contribute to this forum.

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Any questions? lol :)

Mike N. ✉
Dec '16

I vote for Mike N for Most Interesting Man in the World

skippy ✉
Dec '16

Mike N. ........ I knew all that already. I can see you when I levitate.

happiest girl
Dec '16