Friday, December 31, 2010

Black-Capped Chickadees of the Vermilon River. A Post to Camera Critters





These photos were taken along the abandoned RR track on the east side of the river, where someone had built about 5 or 6 rough feeders in a sheltered, secluded area. I just sat down in the snow and took some photos including those of the nuthatches which I posted earlier. The birds were out in swarms which was wonderful.

Now some facts about chickadees which absolutely amaze me:
1) Chickadees can remember for at least 28 days where they hide their food.
2) They drop their temperature at night by 10-12 degrees C. below daytime temperature to conserve energy.
3) They feed their young 6-14 times per hour.
4) They have an established hierarchy based on aggressiveness.
5)They have 15 different calls to communicate with their flock.

Who ever made up the word birdbrained ? I know people who can't do any of the above including look after their kids.

The data is from Who's Who in The Hinterland.

A Post to Camera Critters.

22 comments:

  1. I love chickadees. I never realized how much I love them until I moved to Alberta 10 years ago. Now I know why. Smart little fellas, aren't they?
    Lovely photos.
    Happy 2011.
    -- K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  2. To Kay: I didn't know they were such Einsteins either.

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  3. It always amazes me that these little creatures seem to thrive in the cold. You shared some interesting facts.

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  4. Those are some amazing facts about chickadees. I just wish it was easier to tell the Black Capped from the Carolina....I think that I have both, but not sure.

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  5. Love those chickadees..........nice shots. Happy New Year, Boomer and Gary.

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  6. They are adorable little things, and it sounds like they're very smart too. Birdbrained? I guess we better come up with another term.

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  7. I had to chuckle over your bird facts & humans,we could learn a lesson or 2 from our natural world.
    I love chickadees,they always seem like they are so happy little birds,happy new year to you & Boomer,phylliso

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  8. Absolutely perfect photography!!!

    My Camera Critters today is "Cat's Play". Hope you can find time to visit with me.

    Happy New Year.

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  9. Happy New Year Gary. My best wishes to you and Boom for 2011
    Kind regards
    Andrew

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  10. Hi Hootin'Anni: Thanks for the wishes and comments.

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  11. To Phylliso: Thanks for the wishes, and comments.

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  12. To alwaysbcmom.com: Dumb they're not. Have a good New Year.

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  13. To IGW: Thanks for your comments.

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  14. Hi Mary: Thanks for the visit and comments.

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  15. To MarthaZ: Droping your temp- Nature's really something.

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  16. So precious! Wonderful captures! =)

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  17. Thanks and same to you, Springman.

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  18. That is a version of the english for the Coal Tit, a lot of things that it does is quite a doubling act.

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  19. To Bob: I've noticed the similarity to the UK Coal Tit.

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