Chickadees

The black-capped Chickadee is native to our area and does not migrate south in the winter.  In spring, summer and early fall Chicadees eat small insects, spiders, and berries that are plentiful.  But in winter, when food is not as readily available, they are likely to come to feeders to get seeds and fruit left out for them.  At a local park, the Chickadees are accustomed to being hand-fed by park visitors.  We decided to give it a try today to see if we would have any luck with the coming to eat from our hands.  Since we had a few inches of fresh snow fall last night, we thought the birds might have a harder time finding food and would be more willing to approach us.

Putting out the bird seed...maybe they will see it!

Waiting patiently...

And waiting...

Look!  Here they come!

After the first brave Chickadee landed on Grace, the others followed.

Once a few Chickadees knew we had food, there were little birds flying in and out of the bushes and trees around us.  I read online that they take the food and go hide it somewhere to eat later and that they can remember up to 1,000 hiding spots.  I wonder how scientists know that...   What a fun experience!  We are planning to go back someday to do this again.  Hopefully, when it is not so cold out!