Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Chickadee report

We have a nesting pair!  They took up residence on Easter Sunday.  Mr and Mrs each had to inspect the inside of the house several times.  In between inspections,  they would fly away and not be seen for a long while.


But at last, they made their choice.  I'm sure the deal-maker was the amount of nest material nearby.


Both birds shared the task of pulling up big beakfuls of moss and carrying it to their new digs.


This process was repeated many times over the afternoon. 


Then the chickadees disappeared into the house together...

11 comments:

Andrea said...

Awww... that's so cute! I'm certain I have a hummingbird nest somewhere on the property, but no idea where (some very territorial activity around the feeder).

Lindy said...

How fortunate for you to have the chickadees nesting at your place. They are such a sweet little bird. Great captures of the moss gathering!

Ginny Hartzler said...

First I have to tell you that you absolutly cracked me up with your comment on my blog about liposuction and peeps having no fat content!! How true, but I never thought of it that way. These chickadees don't look exactly like ours! Remember my chickadee post from a few weeks back? Ours are tinier, with almost no tail. But there's two kinds of chickadees, and yours must be the second kind. Maybe yours won't nervously flit as much as mine. Because your pictures are great. I especially love the one with his mouth full of moss! What a good springtime document of nest building. You have to keep us posted on the eggs and babies.

Rose said...

Looking good up there! I have lots of finches around our house; I think one pair has moved into our little bird house. One day last week there were at least 3-4 pair of them fighting it out for the house, but alas, no photos. Too quick moving for me.

Rachel Cotterill said...

Oh they're cute! We have loads of bird boxes but the one we can see from our house never seems to get used, sadly.

Mimi said...

Lovely post and lovely story Stephanie.
I'm delighted they've taken up residence, as it gives me hope for our birdhouse. Must see if I can find some deal-making moss now!

Paws on the Run said...

Awww! I love the end where they enter the house together. I wonder what they are doing in there? ;)

Stephanie V said...

Ginny - these are black-capped chickadees. They don't really flit at all but they do have a kind of 'bumpy' flying line.

Andrea - we've thought of setting up a webcam since we miss most of what they're up to.

Lindy - they seem to drop more moss than they carry off. Good thing there's lots of it there.

Rose - good luck with your finches. We've only ever had one finch nest. It was in a clematis and he cat used to go mad trying to walk on the trellis to get the birds. Never succeeded.

Rachel, Mimi - this is the first time we've had a house for the chickadees used. But this is a new-build so maybe that's more attractive.

Wendy - whatever it is they're pretty quiet.

Joanna said...

This is just so sweet. Lucky you to have a resident pair.

Gill - That British Woman said...

I am jealous as I don't have any birds in my nesting boxes yet?

Gill in Ontario

deb said...

Yippee!! I'm so excited the house passed inspection!

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