Chick-a-dee-dee-dee

February 17, 2011

On last weekend's hike we had the privilege of being visited by a pair of chickadees. They came to check us out while we prepared and ate our lunch.

The kids tried feeding them a variety of foods - rice, bits of veggies and chewed up nuts. The walnuts and almonds were definitely the favored foods. We left extras when we were done eating and hoped we helped some forest creatures survive through this long, snowy winter. 

Earlier this winter, when we were visiting in Canada for Christmas we also had the chance to handfeed chickadees. Such a treat to feel them land on your hands.

Laurent was inspired to do some chickadee sketches from my photography. 

If you are so inclined starting tomorrow is The Great Backyard Bird Count of 2011. I'm sorry to say we've never done it but each year I think maybe we will. It's a great backyard science project. 

How about you? What birds are you enjoying where you live?