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Wednesday 15 March 2017

Pause

She darts around on the branches, never staying in any one place for very long. All movements, including flight, are quick. The tiny birds with the short, sturdy beaks are at home along the trail we frequent in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. They blend with the tree branches this time of year, only catching one's eye when they flit or hop around. We pause to observe.

She's quiet now and keeps her chick-a-dee-dee-dee sounds for later.

 

This time of year, the little birds are fluffy and puff their downy feathers, trapping air next to their skin. Body heat warms the air so the chickadees can live in the cold temperatures.

 
 

These black-capped versions have black hoods on their heads and a black bib, white cheeks and gray backs. Our friend today does not have the buff coloured sides like this bird from last summer.

 
 

They love sunflower seeds and will feed from your hand if you are patient. In the photo above, the chickadee is her slimmer self, lacking the air trapped under her down.

 

Today, the little bird poses as if to say, "Is this my best side?"

 

"How about this one?"

 

Finally, she bows, as if to acknowledge the applause of her admirerers gathered below. Then she's gone. We can hear her singing in the trees above as we move on.


27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos of these cute and whimsical birds. I love watching them!

Joanne Noragon said...

I love all the birds, but chickadees take a first place. So cheeky; they gather the spilled feeder seed at my feet. Or go eye to eye on the railing, urging haste in rehanging that good stuff.

Debbie said...

they are such a sweet bird - for me, the easiest bird to photograph. i have heard they will eat from your hand, what an amazing experience. they are so fun to watch, your images are beautiful!!!

Debbie said...

they are such a sweet bird - for me, the easiest bird to photograph. i have heard they will eat from your hand, what an amazing experience. they are so fun to watch, your images are beautiful!!!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

They look so cute when they puff up their feathers like that.. the bigger birds also pull one of their legs up to keep warm, I remember seeing all the seagulls on the beach in winter standing on one leg and thinking gosh there are so many birds that have lost a leg.. and it was tucked up there all along ☺

Anonymous said...

So cute! I have mostly chickadees in my yard! I would love to hold one! So now I know why they are so "chubby" in the winter! Andrea

Marie Smith said...

Me too, Mildred.

Marie Smith said...

They are beautiful creatures, Joanne, among my favourite too.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you. They will feed from your hand if you are patient, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

I thought the same about the seagulls, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

Such great birds! Love them, too, Andrea.

DJan said...

I absolutely love chickadees. They are cheeky, personable, and cute! Who could ask for anything more? :-)

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Such polite birds at a feeder too, taking turns and never fighting with each other. Great photos!

Marie Smith said...

Cheeky is a great way to describe them, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

There is a feeder on the trail and I've never seen them fight, Judith.

The Furry Gnome said...

Sometimes I can hear trees full of birds tweeting like mad, but can't see a single one!

Marie Smith said...

They can disappear in the vegetation, that's for sure, FG.

Elephant's Child said...

Feathered enchantment. And isn't it a privilege when something wild offers that trust...

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Such pretty pictures! (I like the squirrels in the last post too. Red Squirrels are now rare in the UK - though we are fortunate to have a large group in Dorset - on Brownsea Island.)

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Beautiful pictures! I have thought about trying to get them to feed from my hand, but have never been patient enough, I think. Enjoyed your thoughts about the lovely chickadee, she was a pretty one indeed :)

Rick (Ratty) said...

It's good to see these pictures. I haven't seen a chickadee in a while. They seem like some of the friendliest birds, which is what I like about them.

Anvilcloud said...

They are such cute birds, and it is so thrilling when they eat out of your hands.

Marie Smith said...

It surely is, EC. It is a real privilege.

Marie Smith said...

The creatures along the boardwalk are fascinating, Lucy.

Marie Smith said...

It was a pleasure to watch her, SUI.

Marie Smith said...

They are brave to eat from people's hands, Ratty.

Marie Smith said...

They are fast, cute and brave, AC.