These photos were taken on the abandoned RR track, trail on the east side of the river where some dedicated birder has built numerous feeders deep in a secluded part of the bush. These guys feed there extensively. You can sit there in the snow and they sweep by your ear and generally pose for you although you have to be fast to catch them. On my last Chickadee post I posted some facts about these fellow's adaption to the winter. I wasn't going to do it again but rather than send you off to search through the blog, I'll repeat them.
1) Chickadees can remember where they stash their food for at least 28 days. That's better than my memory.
2)They reduce their temperature by 10-12 degrees C. at night to conserve energy.
3) They have a hierarchy based on aggressiveness in their flocks.
4) They have 15 calls to communicate in the flock.
5) Flocks are normally 4-12 birds composed of mates with some juveniles thrown in.
For more information see:
http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=29.
A post to My World Tuesday @
http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/
It is a beautiful Chickadees.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob; thanks for the great words.
ReplyDeleteLove the chickadees. You're right about them being fast--I am still trying to be faster with the camera!
ReplyDeleteThey are cute and friendly, Hubby likes to tell of how one perched on his lip once.
ReplyDeleteI need either a faster camera, or faster reflexe to get good pictures of these. Mostly I just sit and watch and listen to them sing.
ReplyDeleteHi EmptyNester, and they bob around when they're eating so you need a fast shutter speed.
ReplyDeleteHi MarthaZ, but fancy a hierarcy based on agressiveness. Boom & I had better watch ourselves.
ReplyDeleteHi VioletSky and it's a lot of fun to watch them.
ReplyDeleteBeauties.
ReplyDeleteThanks J Bar.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I remember reading that when you posted it before, but I had forgotten, so maybe now I'll remember. Wonderful memories they have, I wish I were that smart. And imagine their body temperatures dropping! Wow.
ReplyDeleteI still love chickadees, they're so fat 'n sassy 'n cute!
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Great series, Gary. They are darn quick little birds. Thanks for posted the facts. Learned something new! Wonder if these would apply to Carolina Chickadees as well?
ReplyDeleteI love how they will come and eat out of your hand. But then you can't take a photo and feed them at the same time (I choose to feed them!)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the photos and appreciate the link for extra info
ReplyDeleteAlways a favorite at my feeder. Great series Gary. The fifth one looks like it's napping :)
ReplyDeletewhat an adorable little cutie. thanks for the education.
ReplyDeleteChickadees always cheer me up in the winter. As soon as I step outside to fill the feeder in the morning, the chickadees have passed the news on to each other, and other birds too. Thanks for the interesting info - lots of things I didn't know, flock hierarchy for example. You also have some nice photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have often wondered how these small birds make it through a cold winter.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and thanks for the info. I am getting a better camera and looking forward to taking bird shots!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I do love those little chickadees! They are so beautiful and your photos are terrific! Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
What amazing birds. All your shots are just stunning!
ReplyDeleteWow, I see that they are a lot smarter than I am. Fact #2 is very interesting. I did not know that. Well, I knew nothing about them:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Gary.
Yoshi
To KLD: Fat,sassy and smart, please!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the carolinas Jean maybe?
ReplyDeleteTo Lesley. They feed out of your hand, because the 200 lb boss chickadee is close by to keep them safe. Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe from Lake Penage. The links just provide extra info on how amazing these guys are.
ReplyDeleteTo Karen. Maybe he is on the other post I said they feed their young a lot of times per hour. So maybe he is tired.
ReplyDeleteHi ewok;thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteHi Hilke. They sure are fun guys as well as entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThanks Al for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteTo WCML: Be careful photography is additive and there is no known cure.
ReplyDeleteTo Sylvia K. Thanks for your visit and have a grand week.
ReplyDeleteTo Ladyfi: I don't know about stunning!
ReplyDeleteTo Yoshi: Just think if you ever visit Canada, you'll be able to ID and discuss the wildlife.
ReplyDelete