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Chickadee Love
Photos and Article by Debra Cook
I listen to the call of the Chickadee,
Its ancient song echoes through the morning air.
I watch as it goes from tree to tree,
berry tight in its beak.
How can you not love the Black-capped Chickadee? With black cap and white bib, white cheeks, white belly, these tiny birds are curious and investigate everything including humans. Their “cuteness” and friendly demeanor make them perfect to observe - by young children, hikers, photographers, seniors, EVERYBODY!
Little acrobats, they use their strong feet and small size to hang from branches, often upside down, to reach that one promising berry. As I walk the trails at High Cliff State Park, I often find myself mesmerized watching their antics and am astonished at their versatility. As a “senior” myself, often losing my keys, I am amazed at their ability to hide seeds and remember thousands of hiding spots.
When hiking at the park, listen for their most familiar call and easy to recognize; their namesake song, “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”. Just know that Chickadee calls (approximately 15 different ones) are quite complex and very “language-like," communicating information. For example, the more “dee” notes in the “chick-a-dee-dee” call, signifies the greater danger.
I think what I like best about this abundant, small black and white bird is that it stays right here in Wisconsin all year round. Other birds are migrating to the warmth of the south right now, stopping here for a bit and moving on but the tough little Chickadee is a year-round resident, just like me. Even on some of our coldest days of winter, one may hear that familiar call and see these vigorous birds huddling together on a nearby, frosty evergreen branch.
Come and visit High Cliff State Park and see if you can spot one of these feisty, agile, affable birds and understand why Aldo Leopold called the Chickadee a “bundle of large enthusiasm.”
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