The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is one of the most recognizable species of birds here in Maine. They are a small songbird and passerine in the tit family (Paridae). These wonderful birds are enjoyed so much that the state of Maine designated the black-capped chickadee as the official state bird in 1927. Most bird enthusiasts are familiar with these birds and would agree, chickadees are without exception considered adorable. This is due to its large round head and small body. These birds have a cute black cap and bib, as well as white cheeks, a gray back, wings, and tail. They also have a whitish-color underside with buffy sides. And not to mention their distinctive and delightful chickadee-dee-dee call. Another characteristic that sets these birds apart from other species is their inquisitive nature about everything. It is a common habit to investigate its territory and everything about it, including their discovery of bird feeders. For the novice bird watcher, the black-capped chickadee will most likely be the first species one will become familiar with.
(f/5.6, 1/500 sec., ISO 1250)
When it comes to my feeders, these feisty birds are quite amusing to observe. I don’t mind spoiling them one bit. I find a lot of enjoyment in feeding them a variety of foods. They especially enjoy the black sunflower seeds and suet I provide. I particularly enjoy hand-feeding chickadees. After spending quality time with these birds, it is nice to know they trust me enough to feed from my hand. It is an incredible honor and I love the way they daintily land on my hand and pick a seed and then fly away. Sometimes they really get going and it is as if they are on a conveyer belt. One after another, they just keep coming back for more. Black-capped chickadees hide their seeds and other food items to consume at a later time. That type of feeding and seed storage behavior has sure led to many hand-feeding sessions!
Black-capped chickadees are one of my favorite birds to photograph. It isn’t very difficult to do so, being they often follow me around in the yard. There is no need to go searching for them when they come to me. With their curiosity getting the best of them, I know it won’t be long before one of these birds shows up and I will be able to start clicking away. I like to think of them as being my favorite avian busybodies.
I have spent several hours with my black-capped chickadee visitors. Here are a few photographs of my time spent with them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed observing these curious little birds.
(f/8, 1/250 sec., ISO 100)
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 250)
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 250)
(f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 250)
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 250)
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 640 )
(f/10, 1/250 sec., ISO 100 )
(f/6.3, 1/550 sec., ISO 125)
(f/5.6, 1/550 sec., ISO 100)
(f/5.6, 1/500 sec., ISO 100)
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 200 )
(f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 125)
(f/6.3, 1/500 sec., ISO 250)
(f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 320 )
(f/6.3, 1/500 sec., ISO 200)
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed viewing my photographs of the black-capped chickadee. If you have anything to share about your own stories or photographs of these adorable birds, please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.
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