Bird of the Month for November -Chickadees

• Posted on 1 November 2024
• By Bobbi Wright
• Posted in Attracting Birds, backyard birds, Bird Conservation, bird watching, Birdhouse Nature Store, Brighton Landmark, Chickadees, Connie Crowe, Daniel Decouvreur, Memorial Carving
• 0

This blog explores the charm and significance of chickadees, highlighting their characteristics, behaviors, and vocalizations. At The Birdhouse Nature Store, chickadees hold a special place as the beloved mascot, chosen by the original owner, Connie Crowe, nearly 31 years ago. A beautiful memorial carving by local artist Daniel Decouvreur stands as a tribute to Connie in the store's backyard. The blog also offers tips on attracting chickadees to your backyard and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these delightful songbirds.

Chickadees: Charming Songbirds and Our Beloved Mascot

Chickadees are a delightful presence in many backyards, known for their distinctive calls and friendly nature, often coming to our hands for seed. For us at The Birdhouse Nature Store, these small songbirds hold a special place in our hearts, serving as our business mascot for nearly 31 years. Let's explore what makes chickadees so special and why they remain a cherished symbol of our store.

Our connection to chickadees dates back to our original owner, Connie Crowe, who chose these charming birds as our mascot. Her love for chickadees was more than just admiration; it was a heartfelt bond that continues to inspire us today. Connie's legacy lives on through our store, and the chickadee remains a favourite among our customers, symbolizing the warmth and community spirit she instilled in us.

In our store's backyard, you'll find a beautiful memorial carving that honours Connie's memory—a carving of her hand with a chickadee balanced on top, a seed delicately held in its beak. This stunning work of art was crafted by local artist Daniel Decouvreur and stands as a landmark in Brighton for both tourists and birders to discover. It's a testament to Connie's enduring influence and our commitment to celebrating her passion for nature.

In honor of Connie and her love for nature, we are hosting a special promotion this November. For every $10 donated through us to Friends of Presqu’ile, you will earn an entry into a draw to win a Birdhouse T-shirt and a $50 gift certificate. It's a wonderful way to support local conservation efforts while celebrating the joy that chickadees bring to us all.

Chickadees are small birds, typically measuring about 13cm in length. They are easily recognizable by their black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray back and wings. Despite their diminutive size, chickadees are known for their bold and curious nature, often seen flitting from branch to branch, searching for insects and seeds.

One of the most endearing traits of chickadees is their vocalizations. They have a variety of calls, but the most common is the "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" sound, from which they get their name. This call serves multiple purposes, including alerting other birds to the presence of predators. Chickadees are also known for their ability to remember the locations of thousands of hidden food caches, an impressive feat for such a small bird.

If you want to attract chickadees to your backyard, providing food and shelter is key. Chickadees are particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Offering these foods in a feeder will likely draw them in. It's also beneficial to have native trees and shrubs in your yard, as these provide natural food sources and nesting sites.

Chickadees are cavity nesters, meaning they prefer to nest in holes in trees. You can encourage them to nest in your yard by installing a birdhouse. Make sure the entrance hole is about 1 1/8 inches in diameter to accommodate these small birds. Placing the birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered location will increase the likelihood of it being used.

While chickadees are not currently at risk, they face challenges from habitat loss and climate change. It's important to support conservation efforts that protect their natural habitats. Simple actions like planting native vegetation and reducing pesticide use can make a big difference.

Chickadees bring joy to many with their lively antics and cheerful songs. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual observer, these charming birds are sure to brighten your day. By creating a welcoming environment in your backyard, you can enjoy the company of chickadees and contribute to their conservation, just as we celebrate them here at The Birdhouse Nature Store.