http://www.birderblog.com/Birding photos, posts and other information related to bird watching and bird conservation. Find identification info on all types of birds, including rare birds.Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:45:00 GMThttp://www.birderblog.com/bird-watching/chickadees.aspx<p><a href="http://www.duncraft.com/index.aspx">Go to Duncraft.com</a></p> <p><br /> One of the most frequent of backyard birds in New England is the curious and intrepid black-capped chickadee, an agile flier who often is the first to try a new feeder in the backyard.&nbsp;The next time you hear a familiar &quot;chick a dee dee dee&quot;, listen closely, because a chickadee's call can tell you a lot. <a href="http://www.duncraft.com/Chickadees-C190.aspx">Chickadees</a> add as many as 23 &quot;dees&quot; to their calls when threatened by one of their most dangerous predators, the pygmy owl. However, less dangerous predators warrant only an additional 3 or 4 &quot;dees&quot;. <a href="http://www.duncraft.com/Chickadees-C190.aspx">Chickadees</a> also have a quiet &quot;seet&quot; call, to warn of a raptor on the wing -- such as the red-tailed hawk.&nbsp; In fact, more than 30 variations in chickadee songs and calls are now recognized.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> Although chickadees seem to be at our feeders all the time, the main staple of their diet is insects. Also:&nbsp; Insect eggs, spiders and spider eggs, berries and pinecone seeds. Their favorite feeder treats?&nbsp; Suet. Peanuts. And black oil sunflower seeds.&nbsp; Chickadees actually cache food under tree bark to tide themselves over for winter scarcity, and just like squirrels, they do remember where they hide their stash!</p> <p><br /> Did you know that chickadees can be wooed to feed right from your hand?&nbsp; Stand (or sit) close to where your feeder usually is (I recommend taking it down when you doing this!) with your palm flat, filled with sunflower seed, arm outstretched.&nbsp; Stay perfectly still!&nbsp; With patience, stillness and trying the same time every day -- you might well be rewarded with a brief visit that feels like a puff of air on your fingertips!</p> <p><a href="http://www.duncraft.com/index.aspx">Go to Duncraft.com</a></p>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:45:00 GMThttp://www.birderblog.com/bird-watching/chickadees.aspxhttp://www.birderblog.com/bird-watching/welcome-to-birderblogcom-1.aspx<p>We are a community of bird lovers from all over the world. Our blog features posts from guest bloggers, each with their own area of expertise. Our goal is to create an amicable, interactive forum where bird enthusiasts can share tips, talk shop, and swap stories of their experiences. We encourage you to leave your comments and feedback on any posts that resonate with you, whether they ruffle your feathers or send your imagination soaring.</p> <p>If you'd like to be a part of our community, bookmark www.birderblog.com and come back regularly to check out the latest. Expect to find updated posts from popular bloggers, all in a centralized, easily accessible website designed especially for bird enthusiasts.</p>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.birderblog.com/bird-watching/welcome-to-birderblogcom-1.aspx