Carolina Chickadees

Since the dees are nesting in our yard, I have more opportunities to catch up with them. Here are a few shots -- some taken at close range.

This message was edited May 1, 2012 11:50 PM

Here are a few shots of the male bringing worms to nestlings in the box, and a shot of him leaving with a fecal sac. We often see this with bluebirds but the dees are so elusive and move so fast, this is the first time I have gotten a picture of them doing it. The last shot is of both in the crepe myrtle, where they love to hide.

Here are a few close ups I got this afternoon while the male was waiting to get a meal worm. The blues are very possive about the meal worms and chase the smaller birds, particularly the Carolina wrens and the Dees. I love the expressions on some of these. I have a ton of these and will add more as I get time to sort through them.

Love the pics Dave! The 3rd in the last post is precious! The Dee's have always been a top favorite of mine.

BTW, I'm almost positive you have Carolina Chickadees since that is what I have. The Black-capped Chickadees range doesn't begin until very northern NJ (above Princeton).

Thanks Pelle. Nice to have you and Resin to keep us straight. Except for Eastern Bluebirds I need all the help I can get. Can you correct the header, or does it matter. I will probably add more Dee pictures to this thread from time to time. I have nearly a thousand of them collected already and while they are nesting, they are very willing to pose for me.

Hi Dave, I contacted admin for the title change.

Again great pics! These birds are so full of spunk and a delight to watch.

Chickadees are so friendly, they are one of my favorite too. Great thread Dave! I was thinking Carolina for your as well. It doesn't have the yellowish,brown on the flank that mine has. I saw my Black-capped in one of my nest box, this week. The box has been up for 3yrs, and it's the first time, I've seen them checking it out as often as they did. Hope they decide on it this time and make a little family.

Awesome photos Dave!! I can see why you're taking so many photos of them. Each one shows such a difference pose with just a slight movement-well done.

Fantastic pictures Dave. I love the expression on the face of the last shot in the waiting for meal worm set. Just beautiful pictures.

More, please.

Awesome photos of my very favorite bird, Dave!!

Carla

OK Here are a few from this afternoon

Wonderful shots Dave!

Awesome shots!

Thanks. They sure are available to me right now. Not sure when the babies will fledge. But I'm sure things will change when that happens.

Just got back to this thread. Dave, these are absolutely fantastic shots of a beautiful little bird. I stand in awe of these wonderful captures of this little bird.

Great shots! I have tons of Carolina Chickadees in my yard. I just love them. Two years ago when we in in a drought, my husband was outside watering the grass and a group of chickadees and a couple of robins were playing in the water spray. It was so much fun to watch. :)

Dave, those "in flight" photos are worthy of publication! And, no, I'm not just saying that because Chickadees are my very favorite bird. :-)

Carla

Thanks Carla. The lag time on most cameras is such that it is usually by accident that you catch them in flight. It makes my day as well. These are a little more typical of everyday shots.

I agree with Carla, the in-flight photos should be published. All of these photos are just spectacular Dave.

Wonderful Dave. Love these little birds.

Here are a few more from this afternoon.

The chickadee babies that hatched and fledged in our yard are now following their parents to the feeder for meal worms. Very cute.

Oh my goodness Dave, these are so wonderful. Those babies are bottomless pits. In the last shot, it looks as though it is smoking a cigar.

Thanks for sharing these wonderful little birds with us.

Enjoyed the feeding of the chicks, they are wonderful!

Fantastic photos Dave! Thanks for sharing.

More awesome captures Dave. So clear and sharp-wow!