Monday, February 15, 2010

black capped chickadees

chickadee 1
chickadee 3 chickadee 2

I took these photos out in the woods. The chickadees are all over the branches on most of the south facing slopes. So many of them. Most are singing their quiet winter "tswweet". Some call variations on the loud "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" warning when Skippy and I approach their territory. I also hear the melodic two note spring song "dee-dee" that pairs use to call to each other. Even though its still winter they are preparing for the breeding season. And there are lots of intermediate vocalizations. It seems they have lots to say.

9 comments:

Victoria B. said...

GReat pictures, Kathy-- I do LOVE chickadees. They make you feel so good after a long winter when they start with that wonderful spring song. You're so lucky to be hearing it. I'm jealous! Soon spring will be here and the whole
Earth will be reborn. Can't wait! Thanks for the pictures of my favorite little birds..

NY Homesteader said...

Hi Kathy, Nice photo's. I keep hearing their spring song too here in NY. Also here is a little info on their song scientist's and ornithologists say that the more agitated or nervous they are the more dee dee dee's there are after the chcka-dee ! Don't know how true it is , but I watch and learn as I go ! Peace and Prosperity,
Rich @ NY Homesteader

Anonymous said...

Hello, here is another link for honey bees. http://worcester.craigslist.org/grd/1602808760.html

kathy said...

The more dee's the madder they are. Definitely. They'll even leave out the "chick-a" sometimes. And there are raspier tones and volume differences, too. I'm sure its a whole language of their own.

I think the little sound they say in the winter just means "too cold". I'm glad they finally have more to say.

Sue Garrett said...

I always wondered what a chick-a-dee was when I heard of Americans talking about them. They look very much like what we in the UK call coal tits.

Steelkitten said...

My mother always called me a chickadee and I never understood where that came from! Being in the UK, we don't have them. Now I know! Thank you!

Really impressed with how much seed sowing you've got done. I haven't been able to do anything yet as we're having having the worst weather for 30 years and I've no idea when it will end or when the poor seedlings would be planted.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Like, you we are in Massachusetts. We plant almost the same veggies, too. We also have a small orchard and a flock of 13 laying hens. Anyway, I love your pictures of wildlife and am wondering what kind of camera/lens you use. I need to upgrade and like you I take lots of pictures of my gardens and wildlife. Would love to know.

kathy said...

If you click on the "faq" link on the sidebar it says the camera and lenses I have. I love my Canon DSLR! I was out taking photos of my dog again today. He has a nice new haircut for a bright warm "March-like" day.

Anonymous said...

Muchas Gracias about the camera information! Sorry I didn't think to check the FAQ on the sidebar. Again, lovely blog and I love checking my seed starting with your to make sure I remembered to do them all. Your blog is such a great help to so many people!