My favourite bird

This one is for the bird lovers. I know, I know, there are a lot of birds in this world.  I’ve seen many, I’ve watched many, but my favourite continues to be the black-capped chickadee.

How can you not smile watching them “hop” through the air from tree to tree to branch to feeder and back to branch?

Selflessly they’ll pick one seed from a feeder and head on back to the safety of the trees to hammer it open. For years I’ve wanted to walk outside while one is at the feeder and say, “You know, I won’t be offended if you take two seeds from the feeder at one time. You don’t have to take just one!”

And then, after some research, I discovered that they actually hide their seeds amongst the trees, and they can remember hundreds or even thousands of places they’ve put them for future use! Now it makes sense!

They are also one of the few birds that will actually eat out of your hand. If you’ve ever had this experience it’s amazing. When they land on the tips of your fingers, the only reason you know they are there is the feel of their tiny claws gripping your skin. They are so light you can’t even feel their weight! After landing, they’ll take a quick look at you as if to say, “Hey, thanks for the food!” Then they’ll pick up a seed, and flutter off. Priceless.

Whenever I’m out and about, I can’t help but smile when I hear their song*, knowing they are out there somewhere, peacefully enjoying another wonderful day.

*Song courtesy of audubon.org (here).