Bird of the Week - l September 20, 2010

"Chicka-dee-dee-dee. Chicka-dee-dee-dee." This is the call of the Massachusetts state bird, the Black capped chickadee. This little bird is a back yard favorite and is easily recognized. It has a small, short bill with a black cap, black bib, and white cheeks.

The Chickadee lives in Reading all year round. They nest in cavities (holes) in trees and will also nest in nest boxes. They feed on insects, seeds, and berries. They love to come to back yard feeders, often hanging upside down to feed. In the winter, they will often gather in small flocks travelling around the neighbor hood looking for feeders and natural foods.
To learn more about the Black-capped chickadee and to hear it song and call, click on this link:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-capped_Chickadee.html#fig1